Landmark Court Cases

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By JESSICA MICHELLE HURLEY

Open Ended

What does it mean when courts have the power to say that a law is unconstitutional?

Write a one-sentence answer and one example of why that power might matter.

Replace this with your body text.

​Duplicate this text as many times as you would like.

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Background: The

Open Ended

Imagine State A passes a law requiring a new state tax on all national park visitors. A federal agency running the national park refuses to pay and sues. Which cases help the Supreme Court decide this dispute and why?

Multiple Choice

Which statement best explains the significance of Marbury v. Madison?

• It established that Congress could tax goods between the states.

• It created a new level of federal courts.

• It gave the Supreme Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional.

• It ruled that states could not interfere with national banks.

Multiple Choice

Why is Marbury v. Madison considered a landmark case?

• A. It increased the president’s power over state governments.
  

• B. It strengthened the judicial branch by establishing judicial review.
  

• C. It limited federal authority in foreign policy.
  

• D. It expanded states’ rights under the 10th Amendment.

Multiple Choice

In McCulloch v. Maryland, the Supreme Court ruled that—

• A. states could tax federal institutions
  

• B. the national government had powers beyond those listed in the Constitution
  

• C. Congress could not create a national bank
  

• D. state laws were superior to federal laws

Multiple Choice

What was the main issue in Gibbons v. Ogden?

• A. Whether states could create their own currencies
  

• B. Whether states or the federal government controlled interstate commerce
  

• C. Whether the president could remove federal judges
  

• D. WhetherCongress could create tariffs

Multiple Choice

Which precedent was established by the Supreme Court ruling in Marbury v Madison?

• The federal government has the power to regulate trade among the states

• State Governments lack the Authority to regulate federal bureaus

• Federal Courts determine the constitutionality of law

• State Courts determine the constitutionality of a federal law

Multiple Choice

John Marshall

• Promoted the public good

• Maintained a strong sense of duty

• Used clear language to discuss complex issues

Which action should be added to this list?

• Upheld the doctrine of states' rights

• Supported the popular election of Supreme Court justices

• Allowed slavery to extend into western territories

• Wrote the Supreme Court decision that established the principle of judicial review