National Government: The Judicial Branch
Session 4: Marbury v. Madison

Materials

• Overhead projector or board
• Textbook
• Internet access (optional)

Instructional Activities

1. As a group, have students create a table with three columns that are headed District Courts, Courts of Appeals, and Supreme Court.
   
   
2. Under each heading, have students write down characteristics of each court.
   
   
3. Show students a diagram that shows the Federal Court System. Have them identify which court is the court of last resort. (Supreme Court) Explain to students that the power of the Supreme Court has expanded over time, moving from having very little power to having a great deal of power.
   
   
4. Instruct students to conduct a scavenger hunt for the facts surrounding the Marbury v. Madison (1803) case.
   
   
5. Have students write a summary of ways in which the Marbury v. Madison case changed the role of the Supreme Court. Ensure that students identify and define the concept of judicial review.
   
   
6. Homework: Have students use their textbook or the Internet to determine the checks the Judicial Branch has over the other branches. The following Web site may be helpful in this activity:
   •    “How Does Our System of Checks and Balances Protect Our Rights?” The Social Studies Help Center <http://www.socialstudieshelp.com/Lesson_13_Notes.htm>. This site provides information on the checks and balances within the United States Government system.