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)
• 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 & 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.

Answer 1

Answer: Option 2.

Explanation: Jackson's remark meant that the Supreme Court lacked its own means to enforce its ruling, so enforcement depended on the executive — and he was signaling he would not carry out the Court's decision regarding Cherokee lands. Option 3 states the constitutional ideal (the president enforces laws and court rulings), but the quote expresses Jackson’s refusal to enforce Worcester v. Georgia. Option 1 is incorrect — the statement comments on enforcement power, not the validity of the Court's ruling.