The Impact of John Marshall on the Supreme Court and American Governance

John Marshall, as Secretary of State and later Supreme Court Justice, transformed the court by consolidating opinion writing and establishing the court as a singular voice. He strengthened federal power over states and articulated judicial review, making the Supreme Court a key player in governance.

What position did John Marshall hold before being nominated to the Supreme Court?

• Secretary of Defense

• Secretary of State

• Attorney General

• Vice President

Why is there a large statue of John Marshall in the Supreme Court building?

• He was the first Chief Justice

• He was a famous lawyer

• He transformed the court as we know it today

• He was a founding father

How did John Marshall change the way opinions were written in the Supreme Court?

• By writing all opinions himself

• By allowing each justice to write their own opinion

• By consolidating opinions into a single voice

• By eliminating dissenting opinions

What was the court considered before John Marshall's changes?

• An executive branch

• A legislative body

• A collection of individual opinions

• A singular entity

What was one of the key battles in the early history of the United States?

• The battle for economic supremacy

• The battle for civil rights

• The battle over federal vs. state power

• The battle for independence

What did John Marshall assert about the federal government?

• It should be dissolved

• It is subordinate to the states

• It is in charge and consolidates power

• It should have limited power

What concept did John Marshall establish that is crucial to the Supreme Court's power?

• Executive privilege

• Legislative supremacy

• Judicial review

• State sovereignty

What does judicial review allow the Supreme Court to do?

• Create laws

• Enforce laws

• Strike down laws

• Ignore laws

How did John Marshall's actions affect the balance of power within the federal government?

• He consolidated power in the court

• He strengthened the legislative branch

• He gave more power to the executive branch

• He weakened the judicial branch

What role does the Supreme Court play in national governance according to John Marshall's vision?

• A ceremonial role

• A legislative role

• A major player with judicial review

• A minor advisory role