1. What impact did John Marshall have on the U.S.?

2. Under Chief Justice John Marshall, the Supreme Court made many decisions that strengthened the national government.
Chief Justice
John Marshall
(1801–1835)

3. One of the most important Supreme Court cases decided under Marshall was Marbury v. Madison in 1803.
William Marbury
James Madison

4. Presidential Appointee
This case resulted from a “midnight” presidential appointment, made by an outgoing president, which was ignored by an incoming president.
Outgoing President
John Adams
Presidential Appointee
William Marbury
Incoming President
Thomas Jefferson

5. Presidential Appointee
The presidential appointee (Marbury) asked the Supreme Court to force the new president (and his advisor, Madison) to grant his appointment.
Presidential Appointee
William Marbury
Secretary of State
James Madison

6. Chief Justice John Marshall
The Supreme Court ruled that this action would be unconstitutional, establishing the power of judicial review.
Chief Justice John Marshall

7. The power of judicial review allows the Supreme Court to determine the constitutionality of a law and is another example of the unwritten constitution.