Final answer:
The Supreme Court's ruling in Worcester v. Georgia affirmed Cherokee tribal sovereignty, but President Jackson ignored this, enforcing the Indian Removal Act that led to forced migrations like the Trail of Tears.
Step-by-step explanation:
Supreme Court Decision in Worcester v. Georgia and the Indian Removal Act:
The Supreme Court case of Worcester v. Georgia in 1832 was a significant ruling where Chief Justice John Marshall recognized the tribal sovereignty of Native American nations, specifically the Cherokee. He affirmed that states, such as Georgia, did not have the authority to impose their laws on Cherokee lands. However, the practical outcome was different from the legal ruling. Despite the Court's decision, President Andrew Jackson and the state of Georgia ignored the ruling, and with the passage of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, the federal government forced the relocation of Native American tribes.
As a result, the Cherokee, along with other tribes collectively known as the Five Civilized Tribes, faced the traumatic experience of forced migration, known as the Trail of Tears. This led to the death of thousands of Native Americans during their relocation to what was designated as Indian Territory, present-day Oklahoma. Other tribes also faced divisions and unrest due to removal policies, with some attempting to resist and others signing agreements to relocate.
The removal and resettlement of Native American groups reflect the profound impact of federal policies and the majority opinion in a democratic society. These events underscored the conflict between federal authority and state rights, the power struggle within the American political system, and the detrimental impact on the Native American nations.