Final answer:
The court system was essential to the function of the United States under President Washington because it provided a consistent method for enforcing federal laws, established judicial independence, and helped to balance the power of the federal government. The Judiciary Act of 1789, which established the Supreme Court and lower courts, was a cornerstone for shaping the role of the federal judicial branch and ensuring the success of the new republic.
Step-by-step explanation:
Importance of the Court System Under President Washington
The creation of the court system was a crucial development during George Washington's presidency because the Articles of Confederation did not establish a national court system, leaving the enforcement of federal laws to state courts, which were inconsistent. The Constitutional Convention recognized the need for an independent judiciary to maintain the integrity of a national government, leading to the establishment of the Supreme Court and the creation of lower courts through the Judiciary Act of 1789. The system ensured that federal laws would be uniformly enforced across all states, bolstering the new nation's legal framework. In addition, the judicial framework established judges that held their positions for life, barring impeachment, and provided protections for their remuneration to maintain judicial independence and prevent political manipulation. President Washington's administration, along with the first Congress, faced the significant task of actualizing the Constitutional principles, shaping the presidency's role, and ensuring the federal government earned domestic and international respect. This was achieved in part by the affirmative steps taken to create a robust judiciary.
Moreover, Washington's leadership was instrumental in navigating the balance between developing a strong executive presence while avoiding monarchical comparisons, thereby fostering a sense of national unity and enhancing the fledgling republic's stability. His contributions, along with the Congress, to the judicial branch, were foundational to the practical implementation of the Constitution, and established a precedent for the separation of powers that remain integral to the United States' government structure. The Judiciary Act of 1789 not only created Federalist-dominated lower courts but also helped in addressing immediate legal disputes like the case of William Marbury, fortifying the Supreme Court's role in judicial review and enforcing the balance of power within the federal government.