Significance of Marbury v. Madison for AP US Government

📚 Significance of Marbury v. Madison for AP US Government

Marbury v. Madison (1803) is a landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review in the United States, meaning that American courts have the power to strike down laws, statutes, and some government actions that violate the Constitution of the United States.

📜 History and Background

In the election of 1800, Thomas Jefferson, a Democratic-Republican, defeated incumbent John Adams, a Federalist. In the final days of his presidency, Adams appointed numerous Federalist judges, including William Marbury, as justices of the peace. These appointments were intended to preserve Federalist influence in the government. However, when Jefferson took office, some of the appointments, including Marbury's, had not been delivered by the outgoing Secretary of State, John Marshall (who also became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court). Jefferson's Secretary of State, James Madison, refused to deliver the commissions. Marbury then sued Madison, asking the Supreme Court to issue a writ of mandamus, ordering Madison to deliver his commission.

🔑 Key Principles

• ⚖️ Judicial Review: The most significant outcome was the establishment of judicial review. This principle allows the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.
• 🏛️ Supremacy of the Constitution: The case affirmed that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Any law conflicting with the Constitution is invalid.
• 👨‍⚖️ Role of the Judiciary: Marbury v. Madison defined the role of the judiciary as the interpreter of the Constitution.

🌎 Real-World Examples

Here are some real-world examples of how judicial review has been applied:

• 🧑‍⚖️ Brown v. Board of Education (1954): Declared state-sponsored segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson.
• 🗳️ Roe v. Wade (1973): Established a woman's right to an abortion under certain circumstances, based on the right to privacy. (Note: This precedent was later overturned by *Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization* in 2022, demonstrating the evolving nature of judicial review and constitutional interpretation.)
• 🏳️‍🌈 Obergefell v. Hodges (2015): Legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, based on the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

🤔 Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with these questions:

1. What is judicial review?
2. Who were the key figures in Marbury v. Madison?
3. What was the significance of the ruling?
4. Name one real-world example of judicial review.
5. What branch of government was strengthened by this case?

📝 Conclusion

Marbury v. Madison is a cornerstone of American constitutional law. It solidified the Supreme Court's power to interpret the Constitution and ensure that laws align with its principles. Understanding this case is crucial for grasping the balance of power within the U.S. government.