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The Great Decision: Jefferson, Adams, Marshall, and the Battle for the Supreme Court
In 1800, the United States teetered on the brink of a second revolution. The presidential election between Adams and Jefferson was a bitterly contested tie, and the government neared collapse. The Supreme Court had no clear purpose or powers formative years and of the evolution of our democracy.
Hardcover, 288 pages
Published
March 3rd 2009
by PublicAffairs
(first published March 2nd 2009)
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Recommends it for:
Anyone with an interest in the Supreme Court or U. S. History.
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The authors of The Great Decision contend that the written decision of Marbury v. Madison is almost as important as The Declaration of Independence and Constitution when it comes to solidifying our country's ideals, and they make a compelling case as to why. Many Americans may remember that Marbury established the principal of judicial review, which meant that the Supreme Court can declare an act of Congress or the Executive branch unconstitutional. Some may also recall that it was the appointme...more
I liked this book and thought the authors were skillful in making an otherwise dry topic interesting and compelling. There are some flaws in the book, however, which caused me to rate it with only three stars.
On the plus side, the authors did a lot of primary research from the leading political papers at that time, which helps the reader keep a pulse on the rivalry and political infighting of the time. The polarizing politics of our modern era almost pale in comparison to the early 1...more
On the plus side, the authors did a lot of primary research from the leading political papers at that time, which helps the reader keep a pulse on the rivalry and political infighting of the time. The polarizing politics of our modern era almost pale in comparison to the early 1...more
I'm a junkie, twice over - SCOTUS AND Colonial/US History. So I was expecting good, and very happy to have found EXCELLENT! in this book.
The "Great Decision" was the Supreme Court's decision in Marbury vs. Madison which single-handedly established the Court as a co-equal branch of the federal government and established a strong tradition of the court being non-partisan / beyond politics. Without the interesting and devotedly patriotic high intellect of John Marshall, who ...more
The "Great Decision" was the Supreme Court's decision in Marbury vs. Madison which single-handedly established the Court as a co-equal branch of the federal government and established a strong tradition of the court being non-partisan / beyond politics. Without the interesting and devotedly patriotic high intellect of John Marshall, who ...more
Like most Americans, I had never heard of Marbury v. Madison, and would have been baffled to see the Supreme Court's opinion in the National Archives next to treasures like the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. But this book does an outstanding job of explaining what Marbury v. Madison is, why it mattered, and just how fragile American democracy was at the beginning of the 19th century.
What I didn't know is that the Supreme Court started as by far the weakest of the three branches...more
What I didn't know is that the Supreme Court started as by far the weakest of the three branches...more
An entertaining treatment of US politics at the time of the Marbury vs Madison Supreme Court decision. MvM established the Court's authority to invalidate US laws.
The political infighting at the time is detailed to the point where it makes today's political rows pale by comparison. The book, a fan-level treatment of Chief Justice John Marshall, also digs into the meat of the decision, including its text.
What could have been a dry-as-dust treatise comes alive in this boo...more
The political infighting at the time is detailed to the point where it makes today's political rows pale by comparison. The book, a fan-level treatment of Chief Justice John Marshall, also digs into the meat of the decision, including its text.
What could have been a dry-as-dust treatise comes alive in this boo...more
The history of Marbury v. Madison and the power of constitutional review by the judicial branch comes to life like a Shakespearean play. Marshall and Jefferson are cousins who despise each other, Marshall (as Chief Justice) oversees a case in which HE (as the then-Secretary of State) played a critical role. It seems fitting then that the court's decision both strengthened and weakened the court at the same time, that Marbury/Federalists and Madison/Jefferson/Republicans both won and lost. And th...more
Its easy to feel that today's extreme partisanship is new, but the story of Marbury vs Madison dispels that. This book is the story of John Adams making scores of midnight appointments, negative campaigning that led up to a contested Presidential race, and ultimately the creation of the Supreme Court.
Aside from it being important history and a good story, this book was fun to read because you get to see the founding fathers still arguing about how the Constitution should be implemen...more
Aside from it being important history and a good story, this book was fun to read because you get to see the founding fathers still arguing about how the Constitution should be implemen...more
An interesting and informative account of the people and events surrounding the US Supreme Court decision in Marbury v. Madison, which firmly established the Court as the ultimate arbiter of the law in the US system. Although the tone of the book is a bit uneven-- jumping from gossipy insights to legal exposition- it was nonetheless a worthwhile read.
Joeybjab05
added it
You want to know how the United States' judiciary became the third part of the balanced powers of Government, then you should read this book. This account describes in detail the case of Marbury v. Madison, the acitivies that led to it, the reasons for it, the case itself, and the outcome with its effect on the History of the American governance.
Personal antipathy between Marshall and Jefferson. Sup. Ct. not likely to overturn Alien and Sedition acts because before Judiciary Act, the judges rode circuit and so would have been reviewing their own decisions.
Fairly quick read - I had mostly forgotten the details of this case from AP US History so it was a nice little overview of the historical context and players. Also nice that the book has the decision in full as an appendix :)
The lawyer in me loved this book. If you ever wanted to know the facts surrounding and leading up to the famous Marbury v. Madison, then this is your book. I've never read one better on that subject.
Margaret Sankey
added it
Not a terribly original attempt to dramatize the context and personalities of Marbury v. Madison, but useful as a reminder of early Republic shakeouts as the Constitution met its first challenges.
This really is a well constructed explanation of Marbury v. Madison. Cleared up many of the things that I did not understand about the case and the personalities involved.
This is a slow read but almost parallels our times. So much in fighting in washington at a crucial time, with strong figures, some without scruples!
Fascinating. Today's Supreme Court looks NOTHING like its original, and it came to be in such an unassuming way. Or did it?
An engaging retelling of the Marbury v. Madison decision, but not an original take.
This book was awesome, great review of the case that everybody interested in democracy should know about.
Very interesting and informative read about Marbury v Madison
This book makes me have a crush on Marshall even more than Hamilton.
This book is essentially the E! True Hollywood Story version of the most important Supreme Court case in U.S. history. It's also terribly written. I love every page of it!
If not interested in the Law you may not be interested in this book. It could have been deeper on the personalities involved.
A historian who can write. This treatment of the pivotal Supreme Court decision that set the precedent for judicial review is well-organized, relatively succinct, and informative. I feel like I have a better understanding of the case I have known about since junior high.
This is a book I am reviewing for the publisher and it's fascinating. The history is informative and the narrative easy easy to read. It comes out in March and I highly recommend it.
Not quite five stars, but highly recommended (especially the last chapter).
An important subject in American History written in a passable manner; the book lacks comprehensive depth on the subject of judicial review and the negative commentary on the decision.
The authors, Cliff Sloan and David McKean present the history of "The Great Decision" in an effortless narrative. A very enjoyable read.
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