Marbury v Madison 1803: Judicial Review Established — Reading Comprehension

In 1803, the United States Supreme Court decided a case called Marbury v Madison, which forever changed how American laws are interpreted. The decision established the Court’s power of judicial review, which means the Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional. This case created a solution for a serious problem: Who has the final authority to interpret the Constitution?

The conflict began after the presidential election of 1800. President John Adams, who was leaving office, appointed many new judges, known as the "Midnight Judges," at the last minute. William Marbury was one of these judges. However, when Thomas Jefferson became president, his Secretary of State, James Madison, refused to deliver the official papers that would let Marbury start his job. Marbury sued Madison, asking the Supreme Court to force Madison to deliver the papers.

This case brought up a complex constitutional question. Did the Supreme Court have the power to force another government official to act? The Constitution did not clearly say who should decide such disputes. The Judiciary Act of 1789, a law passed by Congress, claimed to give the Supreme Court this power. However, Chief Justice John Marshall and the other justices had to decide if that law went against the Constitution.

Chief Justice Marshall wrote the decision for the Court. He explained, “A law repugnant to the Constitution is void.” In other words, if a law violates the Constitution, it cannot be valid. Marshall’s opinion claimed that the Supreme Court has the power to review laws and decide if they agree with the Constitution. This principle, called judicial review, was not clearly stated in the Constitution, but Marshall argued it was necessary to protect the nation’s laws and freedoms.

From Jefferson’s point of view, the decision was controversial. Jefferson and his supporters believed Congress should make laws, not unelected judges. They worried that giving the Court too much power would limit democracy. Marbury, on the other hand, believed he deserved his job because it was given to him by a president and approved by the Senate. For the Supreme Court, deciding this case was a way to strengthen its role and make sure that no branch of government could ignore the Constitution.

This case set an important precedent. Before Marbury v Madison, it was unclear who had the final say in interpreting the Constitution. Afterward, the Supreme Court became the ultimate arbiter of constitutional questions. The outcome increased the Court’s authority and established the system of checks and balances among the branches of government. It also showed that laws made by Congress or actions by the president could be limited if they conflicted with the nation’s highest law, the Constitution.

The Marbury v Madison decision has shaped many later cases and remains a foundation of American government. It illustrated the importance of an independent judiciary and raised questions about how much power judges should have. While some people feared that judicial review would make the Supreme Court too powerful, others saw it as a necessary protection for rights and freedoms.

Interesting Fact: Chief Justice John Marshall served for 34 years and wrote over 500 decisions, making him the longest-serving chief justice in U.S. history.

Who was president when Marbury sued Madison?

What year was Marbury v Madison decided?

Who wrote the Court's decision?

What was the main problem in the case?

Why did Jefferson oppose the decision?

What is judicial review?

The Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional.

What does 'precedent' mean?