John Marshall
One of the most influential chief justices in US history.
Intro
Early Life
Mentors
George Washington was a good friend of Thomas Marshall and a role model for John. he inspired John about nationalism and patriotism. In fact, when Washington died some years later, John wrote a biography about him and his life.
These role models shaped John's beliefs for many years to come.
John Marshall's Relationship With Thomas Jefferson
The two also had different POV on how the Constitution should be interpreted. Jefferson didn't believe in a strong central government because he thought the people wouldn't have enough rights and it would be too much like a monarchy. On the other hand, Marshall thought that a strong central government would protect the people and create a great country. This led to many disagreements.
John's Beliefs
He favored strong government action and supported supremacy of the federal government over state authorities. In other words, he was a big federalist (not an anti-federalist). He believed that slaves were human, not property (he flashed this belief in many of his slavery cases). He was also a nationalist who believed in big government. He was also a strong advocate of a strong constitution,"...The constitution is either a superior paramount law, unchangeable by ordinary means, or it is on a level with ordinary legislative acts, alterable when the legislature shall please to alter it. It is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is. This is the very essence of judicial duty." He also believed in a powerful army and government taxes.
Conclusion
Marbury v. Madison - He established judicial review.
McCulloch v. Maryland - He established the doctrine of implied powers.
Gibbons v. Odgen - He created interstate commerce.
In his cases, especially these three, he expressed his federalist views that to this day are revered as smart and bold. In conclusion, those things that influenced John Marshall like his home life, his mentors, and his enemies, affected his court decisions, those of which have affected each and every one of us.
Sources
Thayer, James Bradley. John Marshall. New York: Da Capo, 1974. Print.
Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.
"List of United States Supreme Court Cases by the Rehnquist Court." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.
"Life & Legacy." Life & Legacy. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.
"John Marshall." Ushistory.org. Independence Hall Association, n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2015.
"John Marshall (1755 - 1835)." N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2015.
"AP Wiki." AP US: John Marshall as Chief Justice (1801-1835) -. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2015.
"Marshall, John; 1755-1835." AVHS-APUSH -. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2015.
"McCulloch v Maryland | Publish with Glogster!" Glogster. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2015.
Smith, Jean Edward. John Marshall: Definer of a Nation. New York: H. Holt, 1996. Print.