Which figure served as the 4th Chief Justice of the United States and helped establish the power of the Supreme Court?

Which figure served as the 4th Chief Justice of the United States and helped establish the power of the Supreme Court?

• A. John Adams
• B. Alexander Hamilton
• C. James Madison
• D. John Marshall

Answer: (D)

John Marshall, as the 4th Chief Justice, helped shape the Supreme Court into a powerful, independent branch of government. He led the Court to establish judicial review with Marbury v. Madison, a ruling that gave the Court the authority to strike down laws and actions that violate the Constitution. This dramatically increased the Court’s power and set the precedent that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Marshall’s later decisions, like McCulloch v. Maryland, reinforced federal supremacy, while Gibbons v. Ogden clarified Congress’s power over interstate commerce. Because he held the office and used these decisions to strengthen the Court’s role, he is the correct figure. The other individuals were not Chief Justice, so while they were important leaders, they did not establish the authority of the Supreme Court in the same way.

John Marshall, as the 4th Chief Justice, helped shape the Supreme Court into a powerful, independent branch of government. He led the Court to establish judicial review with Marbury v. Madison, a ruling that gave the Court the authority to strike down laws and actions that violate the Constitution. This dramatically increased the Court’s power and set the precedent that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Marshall’s later decisions, like McCulloch v. Maryland, reinforced federal supremacy, while Gibbons v. Ogden clarified Congress’s power over interstate commerce. Because he held the office and used these decisions to strengthen the Court’s role, he is the correct figure. The other individuals were not Chief Justice, so while they were important leaders, they did not establish the authority of the Supreme Court in the same way.