Introduction to Marbury v. Madison Supreme Court Case

Overview

• Year: 1803
• Significance: First landmark Supreme Court case establishing the power of judicial review.
• Importance for AP Government Exam: Sets the stage for future judicial interpretations.
• Key Question: Who interprets the Constitution?

Background

• Pre-Marbury: Constitution was vague on judiciary powers.
• Federalist 78: Written by Alexander Hamilton, argues judiciary is the "least dangerous" branch—no force or will, just judgment.
• Brutus' View: Warns judiciary will strike down laws from Congress and states.

Hamilton vs. Madison and Jefferson

• Hamilton's Persuasion: Argued judiciary is harmless; aimed to convince New Yorkers to ratify the Constitution.
• Madison & Jefferson (1798): Believed states should interpret the Constitution.

Events Leading Up to the Case

• Adams Administration (Midnight Judges Act): Passed to maintain Federalist control over judiciary by creating new judgeships.
• John Marshall as Chief Justice: Appointed by John Adams, significant in expanding federal powers.
• Midnight Commissions: John Marshall left commissions to be delivered by James Madison, Secretary of State under Jefferson.

Conflict

• James Madison's Refusal: Refused to deliver commissions to federal judges, including William Marbury.
• Marbury's Response: Filed suit seeking a writ of mandamus from the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court's Dilemma

• Marshall's Quandary: Risk of executive ignoring court's orders, undermining judiciary power.
• Potential Outcome: Risks similar to Andrew Jackson's era where executive might ignore court's decisions.

Resolution

• Judiciary Act of 1789: Declared unconstitutional by Marshall, stating it improperly expanded court's original jurisdiction.
• Judicial Review: Established by Marshall, allowing courts to nullify unconstitutional laws.

Decision and Legacy

• Outcome: Madison won short term; Marbury did not get his commission.
• Long-term Impact: Supreme Court emerged as powerful interpreter of the Constitution.
• Federalist 78 Misconception: Judiciary turned out to be a powerful branch, not the least dangerous.

Conclusion

• Judicial Review's Establishment: Critical for future Supreme Court cases and interpretations.
• Unwritten Constitution: Concept of judicial review becomes essential part of U.S. legal system.

Key Takeaways

• Judicial Review: Supreme Court's power to declare laws/executive actions unconstitutional.
• Marbury v. Madison's Role: Foundation of modern Supreme Court influence.
• Historical Importance: Central to AP Government and Politics curriculum.