The Jefferson Era AP US History Lecture

People Involved John Marshall – Supreme Court Chief Justice William Marbury – Judge assigned by Pres. John Adams. Was an obscure Federalist. James Madison – Jefferson’s Secretary of State

Situation Marbury was appointed as Justice of the Peace in D.C. by Pres. Adams in the last few hours before his presidency ended. However, Marbury’s commission was not delivered by midnight. When Jefferson became President, he ordered Madison, his Secretary of State, to withhold Marbury’s papers, along with three other judges. Marbury sued to have Madison deliver the papers.

Major Question(s) Was the Judiciary Act of 1789 and 1801 legal? Reduced # of Supreme Court Justices from 6 to 5. Created 16 new federal judgeships, which Adams filled with last minute “midnight judges” who were all Federalists Can Congress change the power of the Supreme Court? Did Marbury have a right to sue?

Ruling Ruled that the Court had the power to declare laws unconstitutional. Ruled that Marbury had a right to his commission according to the Judiciary Act of 1789 BUT, that the Judiciary Act was not constitutional. Therefore, Marbury could not be given his commission.

Implications of Marbury v. Madison For the first time, the Supreme Court stated in its decision that they had the right to review other branches of government. This is known as JUDICIAL REVIEW – a basic part of checks and balances.

The Louisiana Purchase 1800 map (page GML 293): 1802: US Reaction: Napoleon: In 1802 Spain gave France all the land in the Louisiana Territory US became fearful In 1802, Napoleon sold the territory to the US for 15 million dollars.

Lewis and Clark Expedition The land: Jefferson goal: Expedition Leaders: Most of the land the US purchased was unknown & undeveloped Jefferson wanted to send people out to explore the land He chose his private secretary Meriwether Lewis and a co-leader William Clark.