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Activity Booklet


Chief Justice John Marshall

Take this 9-question quiz to learn more about “The Great Chief Justice,” John Marshall. Choose an answer and then click Submit. Each correct answer advances to the next question and brings you one step closer to revealing a mystery image below.

Question 1
Chief Justice John Marshall holds the record for longest serving Chief Justice, from 1801–1835. How many years did he serve as Chief Justice?
 

 

Question 2
Early Chief Justices were required to “ride circuit,” meaning they traveled across the country to sit and hear cases in lower courts. What did John Marshall likely use to travel?
 

 

Question 3
According to the Constitution, Supreme Court Justices, including Chief Justices, are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Which President nominated John Marshall to the Supreme Court in 1801?
 

 

Question 4
John Marshall had a long career in public service, including time spent as a soldier during the Revolutionary War. Which position below did John Marshall not hold during his lifetime?
 

 

Question 5
Chief Justice John Marshall and his fellow Justices never met in or even saw the Supreme Court Building, which was not completed until 1935. Where did the Court meet during John Marshall’s tenure?
 

 

Question 6
John Marshall is often referred to as the “Great Chief Justice” because of a decision he wrote in an early Supreme Court case. What is the name of this famous 1803 case?
 

 

Question 7
In Marbury v. Madison John Marshall’s opinion ruled that the Supreme Court had the power to declare laws made by Congress and Executive Acts unconstitutional. What is this power called?
 

 

Question 8
Which of the following is a quote from John Marshall’s opinion in Marbury v. Madison?
 

 

Question 9
Chief Justice Marshall is depicted several times in the art and architecture of the Supreme Court Building. Which of the following is not one of the depictions?
 

 





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For more information about current and past Justices, see Justices, FAQs. For more examples of John Marshall in the building architecture, see The West Pediment and The Bronze Doors.

 




Unless otherwise noted, all images are from the Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States.

 

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