John Marshall, in order the fourth Chief Justice (1801-35), takes pre-eminent part in the development of the judicial power.

Earns the title of “Expounder of the Constitution”.

Birth (1755) and parentage.

His active service in the Revolutionary War.

Admitted to the bar (1780) and begins practice (1781).

A member of the Virginia Legislature.

Supporter of Washington’s administrations, and leader of Federal party.

United States Envoy to France (1797-98).

Member of Congress from Virginia (1799-1800), and supporter of President
Adams’s administration.

Secretary of State in Adams’s Cabinet (1800-01).

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

His many important decisions on constitutional questions.

Maintains power of the Supreme Court to decide upon the
constitutionality of Acts of Congress.

Asserts power of Federal Government to incorporate banks, with freedom from State control and taxation.

Maintains also its power to regulate commerce, free from State hindrance or obstruction.

His constitutional opinion, authoritative and unshaken.

His decisions on questions of International Law.

Decides the status of a captured American vessel visiting her native port as a foreign man-of-war.

Sound decision respecting prize cases.

His views and rulings respecting confiscation of persons and property in time of war.

Personal characteristics and legal acumen.

Weight and influence of the Supreme Court of the United States.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Volume XI.

Surrender of General Cornwallis at Yorktown.
After the painting by Ch.  Ed. Armand Dumaresq

Puritans Going to Church
After the painting by G. H. Boughton.

Benjamin Franklin
After the painting by Baron Jos.  Sifrede Duplessis.

Franklin’s Experiments with Electricity
After the painting by Karl Storch.

The Fight of the Bonhomme Richard and Serapis
After the painting by J. O. Davidson.

George Washington
After the painting by Gilbert Stuart

Washington’s Home at Mt.  Vernon
From a photograph.

Alexander Hamilton
After the painting by Gilbert Stuart.

Duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr
After the painting by J. Mund.

John Adams
After the painting by Gilbert Stuart.

Patrick Henry’s Speech in the House of Burgesses
After the painting by Rothermel.

Thomas Jefferson
After the painting by Gilbert Stuart.

John Marshall
From an engraving after the painting by Inman.

PRELIMINARY CHAPTER