Article III of the United States Constitution creates a judicial branch of the national government. Notice that the actual structure and extent of the powers of this branch are not expressed in as much detail as the legislative (Article I) and executive (Article II) branches. The structure and extent of judicial power would be decided later with an act of Congress and by the court itself. Read the three following documents and answer the following questions.
The Judiciary Act of 1789.
What does the act do and why was it controversial?
Marbury v. Madison.
What was the case about? Why could it be argued that it is the most important Supreme Court case ever?
McCulloch v. Maryland.
What was the case about? Why is this a case that cements national power?
