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Creation of the Supreme Court
Written along with Articles of Confederation for a national government. It took four years for all states to ratify. All goals were to prevent the national government from having too much power so that the rebellion wouldn’t repeat itself; they only had one branch of government.
Significance: It was the beginning of providing order for the new independent states. -
John Jay
Great supporter of the Federalists, he was the first Chief Justice of the U.S. He also was the secretary for Foreign Affairs, and was included in the negotiation of peace with Great Britain which secured independence for the colonies. He was the negotiator of the 1794 Jays Treaty which called off Great Britain forces from the Northwest.
Significance: He contributed to the independence from Great Britain, and negotiated a treaty that gained more land for U.S. -
John Marshall
A federalist and the longest serving Chief Justice (34 years). Decided many court cases and broadened commercial and contract terms. Expanded Congress’s power, and
extended Judicial review to all acts of government, which was a weaker branch.
Significance: played a big role in the American constitutional system, expanding Congresses power and commercialism. -
Marbury v. Madison
Chief Justice, Madison found undelivered commisions, one belonging to Marbury. He was ordered by Jefferson not to deliver them and Marbury sued,
Significance: Right for the Supreme Court to review statues and interpret meanings of the Constitution was affirmed. -
Fletcher v. Peck
Peck sold land to Fletcher, which Fletcher later accused that the land was not legally Peck’s to sell. Fletcher brought suit against Peck for breach of Covenant. The case took down a Georgia state law.
Significance: The first case that the Supreme Court invalidated a state law as contrary to the Constitution. Also exemplified the Marshall Court’s protective approach towards business and commercial interest. -
McCullough v. Maryland
The argument of whether a second Bank is constitutional or not. Argued that the bank is constitutional because it exercises power given by the constitution and aids Congress in meeting their responsibilities.
Significance: Federal power was greatly extended in incorporation of a second bank. -
Dartmouth College v. Woodward
New Hampshire tried altering the college charter granted by George III. Marshall decided that state charters were also charters and could not be altered by later legislatures.
Significance: Broadened the meaning of contracts and protected corporations and businesses. -
Gibbons v. Ogden
Ogden sued Gibbons when Gibbons set up a competing line by his steam boat traffic monopoly. The case allowed Marshall to broaden the meaning of commerce, and the right to regulate interstate commerce. The right covered all commercial dealings and Congress’s power over interstate commerce could be used to the fullest.
Significance: Business and competition increased, Congresses power over interstate commerce was expanded. -
Worcester v. Georgia
John Marshall sided with the Cherokees. Said Indian tribes had full authority over their land, making Georgia have no right to extend laws over Cherokee land. Jackson ignored the courts rules and went ahead with removal plans. -
Dred Scott v. Sanford
Dred Scott, a black who lived in the free state of Illinios, moved into the slave state of Missouri and claimed himself free, he sued for his right of freedom, which the court denied because the Framersof the Constitution didnt intend for blacks to be a U.S citizen. They also looked at blacks as a form of property which couldnt be deprived of anyone. The supreme court then declared that all parts of western territory were open to slavery. This delighted southeners and disgusted notherners.
