key term - Marbury v. Madison

Definition

Marbury v. Madison is a landmark Supreme Court case from 1803 that established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Court to invalidate laws and executive actions that are found to be unconstitutional. This case significantly shaped the relationship between the judicial branch and the other branches of government, as well as the balance of power between state and federal authorities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The case arose when William Marbury petitioned the Supreme Court to compel Secretary of State James Madison to deliver his commission as a justice of the peace.
2. Chief Justice John Marshall ruled that while Marbury had a right to his commission, the Court did not have the jurisdiction to issue a writ of mandamus under the Judiciary Act of 1789, thus declaring that part of the Act unconstitutional.
3. This ruling established the precedent that the Supreme Court could declare acts of Congress void if they conflicted with the Constitution.
4. Marbury v. Madison reinforced the principle of checks and balances by affirming the judiciary's role as an equal branch of government alongside the executive and legislative branches.
5. The decision set a critical precedent for future cases regarding the limits of governmental power and strengthened the independence of the judicial branch.

Review Questions

• How did Marbury v. Madison establish judicial review and what impact did it have on the balance of power among government branches?
  • Marbury v. Madison established judicial review by allowing the Supreme Court to invalidate laws that conflict with the Constitution, which fundamentally shifted the balance of power among government branches. This case empowered the judiciary to check both the legislative and executive branches, reinforcing its role as an independent arbiter in constitutional matters. As a result, it ensured that no law or action by Congress or the President could supersede constitutional principles, thereby maintaining a system of checks and balances.
• Discuss how Marbury v. Madison influenced federalism and state-federal relations in the U.S.
  • Marbury v. Madison influenced federalism by asserting that federal laws and actions must conform to the Constitution, thereby impacting state-federal relations. The decision highlighted that while states have their own rights and powers, they cannot enact laws or policies that contradict constitutional mandates set forth at the federal level. This created a clear hierarchy where federal law, as interpreted by the Supreme Court, takes precedence over conflicting state laws, solidifying federal authority in matters that affect constitutional governance.
• Evaluate how Marbury v. Madison contributes to the legitimacy and authority of the judicial branch in American government today.
  • Marbury v. Madison significantly contributes to the legitimacy and authority of the judicial branch by affirming its role as an essential component of American democracy. The case established that courts have not only the power but also the responsibility to interpret laws against constitutional standards. This has allowed courts to maintain credibility as impartial defenders of rights and liberties against potential overreach by legislative or executive actions. Consequently, judicial review remains a cornerstone of American jurisprudence, ensuring that laws align with constitutional principles and enhancing public trust in judicial processes.

Related terms

Judicial Review:

The power of the courts to assess whether a law or governmental action is in accordance with the Constitution.

Supreme Court:

The highest court in the United States, which has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all federal and state court cases involving issues of federal law.

Federalism:

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states.