John Marshall’s Role in Strengthening the Supreme Court and Federal Power (1801–1835)
John Marshall’s Role in Establishing Judicial Nationalism
The formation of a powerful and independent branch of government in the form of the Supreme Court occurred at the beginning of the history of the newly born nation. The personality of John Marshall is known as an active participant in this process, particularly prominent in the period from 1801 to 1835 (Shi 358). During this time, Marshall served as Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and helped develop and strengthen the institution’s power. John Marshall’s decisions in that position helped increase the federal government’s influence over the states, uniting the nation.
Defining Judicial Power: Key Supreme Court Decisions
The Chief Justice used the same approach to judicial interpretation in his work, which helped strengthen national identity. This method was based on implied powers, allowing federal government representatives to take actions not directly authorized by the Constitution (Shi 358). This approach was used when it became necessary to exercise the federal government’s enumerated powers, significantly strengthening and centralizing power.
Strengthening Federal Authority Through the Court
Some of the crucial Supreme Court decisions under John Marshall include several precedents, three significant ones of which can be cited. Marbury v. Madison is the first of these, which was decided in 1803 and became the basis for Supreme Court challenges to acts of Congress (Shi). By establishing principles of judicial review, the court could declare such acts unconstitutional.
McCulloch v. Maryland was another milestone in strengthening federalism, focusing on the constitutionality of the Bank of the United States and elevating federal laws over local ones. Moreover, a third noteworthy precedent was Worcester v. Georgia, in which local state governments lost the ability to influence and regulate Native American tribes. This decision established the principle of tribal sovereignty that still exists today.
Lasting Impact of Marshall’s Judicial Leadership
The Supreme Court thus boosted the federal government’s influence during Marshall’s tenure, which in turn helped to construct the nation. The spirit of judicial nationalism implied a uniform law for all citizens regardless of social position. Marshall was actively engaged in the unification of laws at the federal level, which was of immediate importance to the formation of American society and state, for such consolidation can unite.
Work Cited
Shi, David E. America: A Narrative History. 11th ed., WW Norton, 2019.