SCOTUS Cases #1

Question 1

Marbury v. Madison (1803): Background facts

Answer 1

Nearing the end of his presidential term, John Adams created 16 new circuit judgeships and a number of new judgeships in order to maintain his party’s control in government. However, new president Thomas Jefferson (once he came into power), ordered his Secretary of State James Madison to suspend William Marbury’s commission, as his had been late to deliver. Marbury and his attorney general Charles Lee ordered that Congress issue a writ of mandamus. However, without the signed commission, Marbury could not go into office.

Question 2

Marbury v. Madison (1803): Constitutional issue

Answer 2

Established the concept of judicial review, allowing SCOTUS to deem any act from the legislative or executive branch unconstitutional.

Question 3

Marbury v. Madison (1803): Questions

Answer 3

Does Congress have the power to pass legislation that overrides the Constitution? Does the Judicial Branch have the power to deem legislation from Congress unconstitutional?

Question 4

Marbury v. Madison (1803): Holding

Answer 4

Through a unanimous 4-0 ruling, the Court ruled that Congress did not have the power to pass legislation that overrode the Constitution. James Madison did not have the ability to suspend/refuse the delivery of Marbury’s commission.

Question 5

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819): Background

Answer 5

After the War of 1812, the US found itself in heavy debt. Many advocated for a second national bank to be established in order to secure the nation’s economy. In 1816, Congress established a second national bank, with powers more far-reaching than its predecessor created in 1791. However, some states, like Maryland, opposed the bank: in 1818, Maryland legislature passed a law that imposed a tax on the currency issued by the national bank. Bank cashier James W. McCulloch refused to pay the tax, leading the state of Maryland to sue him for $110. Maryland won their case in the state’s court, causing the bank to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Question 6

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819): Constitutional issue

Answer 6

1. The necessary and proper clause/the elastic clause/implied powers given to the federal government
2. The supremacy clause

Question 7

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819): Questions

Answer 7

Does Congress have the power to establish a national bank? Do states have the power to tax a national bank?

Question 8

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819): Holding

Answer 8

In a unanimous ruling, the Court ruled that the federal government had the ability to create a national bank under the necessary and proper clause in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution (implied powers). In addition, states could not tax this national bank, establishing federal supremacy (supremacy clause).

Question 9

United States v. Lopez (1995): Background

Answer 9

In 1990, high school senior Alphonso Lopez Jr. was found with a gun in a school zone, and was arrested under Texas’ law through the Guns Free School Act, set forth by the federal government. Lopez challenged his conviction, stating that Congress had exceeded its power under the Guns Free Schools Act, as schools were a state and local government issue. Congress retaliated by stating that the possession of firearms on school property affected commerce, which was a national issue: people would be less willing to go in areas with higher levels of violence, and this same violence affected educational environments, affecting the education of the citizens. Congress stated that both these factors affected commerce and trade, making gun possession in school zones a federal issue.

Question 10

United States v. Lopez (1995): Constitutional issue

Answer 10

The Commerce Clause: how much authority does Congress have in regulating commerce in states

Question 11

United States v. Lopez (1995): Questions

Answer 11

Is the Guns Free School Act, enacted by Congress, unconstitutional? Does it exceed the powers given to Congress under the Commerce Clause?

Question 12

United States v. Lopez (1995): Holding

Answer 12

In a 5-4 holding, the Supreme Court ruled that the Guns Free School Act was unconstitutional, as it exceeded the power Congress was given under the Commerce Clause. Gun possession in a school zone was not an economic issue, and it did not have any effect on commerce in states. Therefore, the federal government could not regulate any kinds of laws based on gun possession in school zones based on the Commerce Clause.

Question 13

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824): Background

Answer 13

In 1808, Robert Fulton and Robert Livingston were both granted monopoly over steamboat waters in New York. Aaron Ogden held a license to regulate the waters between New York City and New Jersey from the state of New York: however, Thomas Gibbons had obtained permission from the federal government to operate these same waters. After Gibbons was denied usage of these waters, he sued Ogden.

Question 14

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824): Constitutional issue

Answer 14

The Commerce Clause: how much authority does Congress have in regulating commerce in states

Question 15

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824): Questions

Answer 15

Does Congress have the power to regulate commerce? How much precedent does federal law take over state law?

Question 16

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824): Holding

Answer 16

The Court ruled that Congress had the power to regulate interstate commerce, not the states. States could neither interfere with Congress legislature on interstate commerce as well.