Question

President Andrew Jackson is said to have responded to the Supreme Court's ruling in Worcester v. Georgia with the words "[Chief Justice] John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it!" Which of the following best explains the meaning of this statement? (1 point) Responses The Supreme Court favored Georgia over the Cherokee people, so its decision was not valid. The Supreme Court favored Georgia over the Cherokee people, so its decision was not valid. The Supreme Court does not have the power to enforce its decision, so President Jackson could ignore it. The Supreme Court does not have the power to enforce its decision, so President Jackson could ignore it. According to the Constitution, the president has the power to deal with Native Americans, not the Supreme Court. According to the Constitution, the president has the power to deal with Native Americans, not the Supreme Court. The president is responsible for enforcing the law, including decisions made by the Supreme Court. The president is responsible for enforcing the law, including decisions made by the Supreme Court.

Answer 1

The best explanation of President Andrew Jackson's statement, "[Chief Justice] John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it!" is: The Supreme Court does not have the power to enforce its decision, so President Jackson could ignore it.

This statement reflects Jackson's belief that the executive branch, led by the president, was responsible for enforcing laws and decisions, and that the Supreme Court lacked the means to enforce its rulings without the cooperation of the executive branch. In the context of Worcester v. Georgia, Jackson's response indicated his unwillingness to support the court's decision in favor of the Cherokee nation against Georgia's laws.