Why is the court case Marbury v Madison significant? How did it elevate the power of the Supreme Court?
Need additional support: The court case of Marbury v. Madison was significant because _________________. This specific case established ______________. This elevated the power of the Supreme Court by ________________.
The court case of Marbury v. Madison was significant because it established the principle of judicial review. This specific case involved the appointment of William Marbury as a justice of the peace by outgoing President John Adams, but the commission was not delivered. Marbury petitioned the Supreme Court to issue a writ of mandamus, directing the newly appointed Secretary of State, James Madison, to deliver the commission.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice John Marshall, declared that the provision of the Judiciary Act of 1789 which granted the Court the power to issue writs of mandamus was unconstitutional. This was the first time the Court exercised its power of judicial review, affirming its authority to review and possibly invalidate actions of the other branches of government if they were found to be in violation of the Constitution.
This elevation of power for the Supreme Court was significant because it established the Court as the ultimate interpreter of the Constitution and ensured that its decisions carried the force of law. By being able to declare legislation or executive action unconstitutional, the Court became a coequal branch of government and a check on the powers of the other branches. This case cemented the Supreme Court's role as the final arbiter of the Constitution and contributed to the system of checks and balances within the American government.