Marbury V Madison Causes and Consequences

Marbury v. Madison

Landmark U.S. Supreme Court case (1803) where the Court established the principle of judicial review, asserting its power to review the constitutionality of legislative acts.

Writ of Mandamus

A legal order from a court to a government official, commanding the performance of a specific act.

William Marbury

A man who petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court for a writ of mandamus to force the delivery of his commission as a justice of the peace.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to determine the constitutionality of laws and government actions.

Supreme Court

The highest federal court in the United States, with the authority to interpret the Constitution and review the constitutionality of laws.

Thomas Jefferson

Third President of the United States who, upon taking office, refused to honor the commissions issued by his predecessor, John Adams.

John Adams

Second President of the United States who appointed William Marbury and other justices of the peace in his final days in office.

Constitution

The supreme law of the United States, providing the framework for the organization of the government and the relationship between the government and individuals.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government responsible for making laws, comprising the U.S. Congress (House of Representatives and Senate).

Executive Branch

The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws, headed by the President of the United States.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice, embodied by the federal courts, including the Supreme Court.

District of Columbia

Federal district where William Marbury was to serve as a justice of the peace, prompting the legal dispute in Marbury v. Madison.

Commission

A formal document authorizing an individual to hold a specific office or position, such as the commission withheld from William Marbury.

Unconstitutional

Contrary to the provisions of the Constitution, as determined by the Supreme Court in cases like Marbury v. Madison.

Act of Congress

A law passed by the U.S. Congress, subject to review for constitutionality by the Supreme Court.

Final Say

The ultimate decision-making authority, exemplified by the Supreme Court's power of judicial review in interpreting the Constitution.

Equal Power

Balanced authority among the three branches of government, as reinforced by the decision in Marbury v. Madison.

Interpret

To explain or understand the meaning of something, particularly in the context of the Constitution by the judicial branch.

Legislative Acts

Actions taken by the legislative branch to create laws, subject to judicial review for constitutionality.