The Supreme Court and Government Role Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who was involved in the case of Gibbons V. Ogden?

Two steamboat owners who didn't want to pay federal taxes

Two steamboat owners who argued with federal law

A steamboat owner and the federal government

Two competing owners of steamboat companies (correct)

John Marshall is important because he was

The first speaker of the House of Representatives

A chief justice of the Supreme Court (correct)

The first person to bring a case to the Supreme Court

A vice president of the United States

What does the excerpt from Marbury v. Madison describe?

The system of checks and balances

The principle of judicial review (correct)

The balance of power between branches

The limitations of the Supreme Court's power

Which is an example of federal supremacy?

A state is not allowed to tax federal money because federal law is superior Signup and view all the answers

Why did James McCulloch most likely support the idea that Congress could create banks?

He didn't want to pay state taxes on his bank Signup and view all the answers

By ruling in James McCulloch's favor in McCulloch v. Maryland, what did the Supreme Court agree on?

Congress had the power to create a federal bank Signup and view all the answers

What does 'interstate commerce' refer to?

Commerce between states Signup and view all the answers

What was William Marbury's appointment in the case Marbury v. Madison?

He was appointed as a federal judge Signup and view all the answers

What idea does the excerpt from the Constitution of the United States, Article 1, Section 8 reinforce?

Federal supremacy Signup and view all the answers

What was the most significant result of the ruling in Marbury v. Madison?

The ruling determined that the Judiciary Act of 1789 was unconstitutional Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Gibbons v. Ogden

Involved two competing steamboat owners disputing over operating rights.
Key issue centered around federal regulation of interstate commerce.
Supreme Court's decision underscored federal supremacy in regulating commerce between states.

John Marshall

Served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and played a pivotal role in shaping constitutional law.
His leadership influenced critical rulings that expanded federal authority and judicial power.

Marbury v. Madison

Established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to invalidate laws conflicting with the Constitution.
Highlighted the importance of the Constitution as the supreme law governing legal cases.
William Marbury was appointed as a federal judge, but his commission was not delivered, leading to the case.

Federal Supremacy

Illustrated through the ruling that states cannot tax federal entities, emphasizing federal law's superiority over state law.
Congress has the power to create federal banks, as affirmed in McCulloch v. Maryland, which supported the implied powers of the Constitution.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Supreme Court ruled in favor of James McCulloch, affirming Congress's constitutional authority to create a federal bank.
Case focused on the tension between state and federal powers, reinforcing the concept of federal supremacy.

Commerce Clause

Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the states.
This clause is foundational for discussions of federal versus state powers regarding economic activities.

Significance of Marbury v. Madison

The ruling determined the Judiciary Act of 1789 unconstitutional, establishing the precedent for judicial review.
Reinforced the judiciary's role in checking legislative and executive power, shaping the future of American governance.

Description

Test your knowledge of the Supreme Court and its significant cases with these flashcards. Explore key figures like John Marshall and landmark decisions such as Gibbons V. Ogden that shaped the role of government. Perfect for anyone studying U.S. government or law.