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This 1803 decision marked the first time the United States Supreme Court declared a federal law unconstitutional. Chief Justice John Marshall wrote the opinion for the court. He held that it was the duty of the judicial branch to determine what the law is. His opinion established the power of judicial review—that is, the court's authority to declare laws unconstitutional.
Below are some educational web sites that will help you learn more about this historic decision.
Marbury vs. Madison | The Judicial Branch | The U.S. Constitution | Other | Lesson Plans
Marbury vs. Madison - Background
Melvin I. Urofsky's Explanation & Background on Marbury vs. Madison
James
Madison Resources
This extensive site is from the James Madison museum. It includes a biography,
transcripts of famous speeches, and information on his famous wife, Dolley
Madison.
John Marshall, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
Learn about this famous Supreme Court Chief Justice
The
Federal Judiciary Homepage
Click on educational outreach to learn about the Courts to Classes program
including lesson plans, mailing lists, free booklets and video tapes.
Virtual
Tour of the Supreme Court Building
Touring requires installation of the QuickTime 5 plugin. If the images
on the following pages load, then you have already installed the appropriate
plug-in. Otherwise, visit the Apple QuickTime website to download the free
version of the software. It is available for both Windows and Macintosh
computers.
Famous
Trials in American History
This interesting site, developed by Professor Doug Linder at the University
of Missouri-Kansas City Law School, includes profiles of other interesting
trials, key players, legal heroes, and related links.
The Oyez
Project
Explore the extensive United States Supreme Court multimedia database
which includes abstracts and audio recordings of leading
constitutional cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The
Supreme Court of the United States
Official site of the U.S. Supreme Court, featuring the court's opinions
and orders, calendar and schedules, rules, news releases, and a host of
general information. Court's decisions are posted on the day they are
released.
The Three Branches of Government
Explore this ingenious way to balance power in our government. Link to
biographies, key historical documents, and other resources about democracy.
The United States Constitution
The
Constitution of the United States
This site, developed by the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration,
includes actual photos of the document, a transcript, biographies of the
39 delegates who signed the Constitution, and dozens of commonly asked
questions and answers.
The
National Constitution Center
Joining Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, PA., this
new national center will help increase awareness and understanding of
our living Constitution. Explore the interactive Kids Corner for a chance
to be a judge and make decisions, then compare your answers with the real
judge’s.
Bill
of Rights Golf
That’s right, here’s a little game to motivate you and test
your knowledge of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
Patriotic
Education
Explore history of the United States flag, flag etiquette, flag customs
and other patriotic exercises.
Ben’s
Guide to the U.S. Governement for Kids
This engaging site is from the U.S. Government Printing Office and includes
resources you can print or obtain via mail. There’s an excellent
glossary and downloadable handouts for teachers and students.
America’s
Story from America’s Library
This kid-friendly site from the Library of Congress includes timelines,
biographies of famous Americans, and plenty if hip pictures to keep kids
intrigued.
Balancing
Three Branches at Once: Our System of Checks and Balances
Grades 3-5, National Endowment for the Humanities
Judges
on Trial: Examining the Selection of Supreme Court Justices
Grades 6-12, Bank Street College of Education and the New York Times
Bill
of Rights
Grades 8-12, Utah Education Network
Essentials
of the U.S. Constitution Unit Plan
Grades 5-12, Utah Education Network