Question

In 1832, the United States Supreme Court ruled in Worcester v. Georgia that the state of Georgia had no right to force the Cherokee from their native lands. Why did this ruling have little positive effect?
A.
The Cherokee nation chose to move to Canada.
B.
The Trail of Tears had already occurred.
C.
President Jackson did not enforce the ruling.
D.
Georgia had no interest in Cherokee lands.

Answer 1

C. President Jackson did not enforce the ruling.

Although the Supreme Court sided with the Cherokee, the Court has no independent power to enforce its decisions. President Andrew Jackson refused to intervene, allowing Georgia to continue removing the Cherokee (leading ultimately to the Trail of Tears).