Question

In Worcester v. Georgia, the Supreme Court ruled that Native American tribes were sovereign states. How did this affect Cherokee removal? (5 points)

a
The federal government had to allow the Cherokee to vote on removal.

b
The federal government removed the Cherokee anyway.

c
The state of Georgia allowed some Cherokee to remain.

d
The state of Georgia was required to pay the Cherokee for their land.

Answer 1

The Supreme Court ruling of Native American tribes as sovereign states affected Cherokee removal in that the federal government removed the Cherokee anyway. This is best represented by option B.

In Worcester v. Georgia, the Supreme Court ruled Native American tribes to be sovereign, otherwise meaning they could control their own affairs and were generally independent. Former President Andrew Jackson did not like this law because his intention was to expand US land. With that in mind, Jackson completely nullified (or essentially disregarded) the ruling and forcefully relocated Native Americans to destinations west of the Mississippi River. This relocation event was very upsetting to many and was known as the Trail of Tears. This all was apart of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, and Andrew Jackson and his followers expanded US territory. With this expansion came a strong connection between the President and his followers, which was known as "Jacksonian Democracy."