The Marshall Court
The Marshall Court established the legal authority of the Supreme Court over the states and other branches of the federal government.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Describe the changes John Marshall effected at the Supreme Court
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Key Points
John Marshall (September 24, 1755–July 6, 1835) was the chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (1801–1835) whose court opinions helped lay the basis for American constitutional law.
When the Federalists lost the presidency and Congress to Democratic- Republicans, President Adams used his last remaining days of power to entrench as many of his political allies in the judiciary branch as he could, including Marshall. Under Marshall, the Supreme Court adopted the practice of handing down a single opinion of the Court, allowing it to present a clear rule.
During his tenure, Marshall made the Supreme Court a third co-equal branch that had the power of judicial review.
Key Terms
enumerated powers: A list of items found in Article I, section 8 of the U.S. Constitution that set forth the authoritative capacity of the U.S. Congress.
federalism: The American political ideology calling for a strong central government, a commercial economy, and depreciating local communities and political participation.
Judicial Review: The doctrine under which legislative and executive actions are subject to scrutiny (and possible invalidation) by the Supreme Court.
John Marshall’s Court
John Marshall (September 24, 1755–July 6, 1835) was chief justice of the Supreme Court from 1801 until 1835. His opinions helped to determine future U.S. constitutional law and made the Supreme Court equal to the legislative and executive branches. Marshall had helped lead the Federalist Party in Virginia, served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1799 to 1800, and was secretary of state under President John Adams from 1800 to 1801.