Why did James Madison, as Secretary of State, refuse to deliver William Marbury's commission?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: The Jefferson administration wanted to prevent Federalist control of the courts
Upon taking office, President Jefferson ordered Madison not to deliver the remaining commissions for the 'Midnight Judges.' The Democratic-Republicans sought to limit the influence of the Federalists who had been appointed by the outgoing Adams administration.
Keep practicing
More Marbury v. Madison questions
- Which article of the U.S. Constitution did John Marshall cite to argue that the Constitution is superior to ordinary acts of Congress?
- What was the Supreme Court's final ruling regarding William Marbury's right to his commission?
- Which legal principle suggests that it is 'emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is'?
- Marbury v. Madison is often cited as a critical example of which constitutional concept in action?
- What would have been the likely outcome if the Supreme Court had ordered Madison to deliver the commission?
- How did the ruling in Marbury v. Madison affect the balance of power between the state and federal governments?