Teaser
Constitutional or not? Read about this 1803 landmark court case deciding issues of judicial review.
Description
Students examine documents establishing the principal of judicial review in 1803.
Article Body
During the early years of the American republic, the system of checks and balances between the three branches of the federal government was tested and solidified. This lesson examines the history behind the expansion of the Supreme Court's role and the principal of judicial review that came from the case of Marbury v. Madison in 1803. For teachers, one of the helpful things this website provides is secondary background reading and questions at three different ability levels. The easiest level provides help with vocabulary and may be suitable for English language learners. An engaging political cartoon analysis exercise is also included. The cartoon illustrates the balance of powers between the three branches of government, equating the Supreme Court to referees in a football game. In addition, excerpts of the most significant passages and other related texts are provided for students to read and interpret. We think teachers will appreciate the flexibility in the recommended sequence of activities. Activities can be tailored to how much time you have to teach about this important topic.
Topic
Early Republic; Marbury v. Madison; judicial review; Supreme Court
Time Estimate
1-4 class sessions
Rubric_Content_Accurate_Scholarship
Yes Materials used in the lesson have been well researched. Content and materials on the site are very thorough.
Rubric_Content_Historical_Background
Yes Background information and questions are available for students at three different reading levels.
Rubric_Content_Read_Write
Yes Lesson focuses on reading and answering questions. No large, essay-style question for student writing is included, but students construct brief responses to questions about documents they have read.
Rubric_Analytical_Construct_Interpretations
Yes Students analyze documents to answer questions about who has the power to declare laws unconstitutional. The political cartoon analysis exercise centers on analytic thinking.
Rubric_Analytical_Close_Reading_Sourcing
Rubric_Scaffolding_Appropriate
Yes This lesson is appropriate for a secondary audience, though this is not specifically stated on the site. Teachers may decide the activities and resources are appropriate for an eighth-grade class.
Rubric_Scaffolding_Supports_Historical_Thinking
Yes In addition to the leveled background reading, an opening scenario, a diagram of the case, and excerpts from primary documents also work to support student understanding. Questions included with the sources require varied levels of understanding ranging from basic to quite sophisticated.
Rubric_Structure_Assessment
No Activities do not include assessment strategies other than questions that a teacher could assign to check for student understanding.
Rubric_Structure_Realistic
Yes The lesson provides adequate instructions for implementation.
Rubric_Structure_Learning_Goals
No No learning objectives are explicitly stated; however, the lesson activities progress logically.
