Marbury v. Madison is a landmark Supreme Court case from 1803 that established the principle of judicial review. Judicial review is the power of the Supreme Court to declare a law unconstitutional, meaning it violates the U.S. Constitution. This case arose when William Marbury, who had been appointed a justice of the peace by outgoing President John Adams, petitioned the Supreme Court to force Secretary of State James Madison to deliver his appointment papers.
Chief Justice John Marshall, writing for the Court, found that while Marbury was entitled to his appointment, the section of the Judiciary Act of 1789 that allowed the Supreme Court to hear the case as a matter of original jurisdiction was unconstitutional. By declaring a law of Congress unconstitutional, the Court established its power of judicial review, significantly increasing its role in American government.
Match the terms with their definitions:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Judicial Review | A. The power of a court to hear a case for the first time. |
| 2. Writ of Mandamus | B. An order from a court to an inferior government official ordering the government official to properly fulfill their official duties. |
| 3. Original Jurisdiction | C. The power of a court to declare a law unconstitutional. |
| 4. Constitutionality | D. The power of a court to hear an appeal from a lower court. |
| 5. Appellate Jurisdiction | E. The quality of being in accordance with the U.S. Constitution. |
Marbury v. Madison was decided in the year _____. The Chief Justice at the time was _____. The case established the principle of _____ _____, which allows the Supreme Court to declare laws _____. William Marbury was seeking a _____ of _____.
Explain the significance of Marbury v. Madison in shaping the balance of power between the three branches of the U.S. government. How did this case impact the role of the Supreme Court?
Please log in to post your answer.
Log InEarn 2 Points for answering. If your answer is selected as the best, you'll get +20 Points! 🚀