Final answer:
The significance of Washington being attacked shaped John Marshall's philosophy by allowing him to define the modern court, work towards establishing the Supreme Court's authority, and develop a philosophy centered on protecting individual rights and limiting government power.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Marshall's philosophy was shaped by the significance of Washington being attacked in several ways:
- Washington's perceived weakness during the attack led to the resignation of the first chief justice, John Jay, and created a vacancy that Marshall filled. This allowed Marshall to define the modern court, clarify its power, and strengthen its role during his thirty-four years in the position.
- Marshall's appointment by President John Adams to the Supreme Court was part of an effort to preserve the Federalist party's nationalist agenda. This motivated Marshall to work towards establishing the Supreme Court as the authority over constitutional matters at both the federal and state levels, further strengthening the role of the federal government.
- Marshall's experience during the XYZ Affair, where he vehemently refused to provide a bribe to France, showcased his commitment to upholding American values and principles. This incident and Marshall's subsequent recognition contributed to his development of a philosophy centered on protecting individual rights and limiting the power of the other branches of government through judicial review.