#7 ESSAY QUESTION

Question

Students must answer all four parts to receive full credit.

1. Explain Supreme Court case Worcester v. Georgia, what was the case about?
2. What was the outcome of their decision?
3. How did Jackson respond to the decision?
4. What was the effect on the Native Americans?

(4 points)

Answer 1

1. Explanation of Supreme Court Case Worcester v. Georgia:
   Worcester v. Georgia (1832) was a landmark Supreme Court case that centered around the rights of Native American nations and their sovereignty. The case involved Samuel Worcester, a missionary who was living among the Cherokee Nation in Georgia. Worcester and several other white individuals were arrested for residing in Cherokee territory without a state permit, violating a Georgia law. Worcester challenged these charges, arguing that the state law was unconstitutional and that only the federal government had authority over Native American affairs. The case highlighted the conflict between state laws and federal authority regarding Native American tribes, as well as the issue of treaty rights and the sovereignty of tribal nations.

2. Outcome of the Decision:
   In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Worcester. Chief Justice John Marshall held that the state of Georgia did not have the authority to impose its laws within the Cherokee territory. The Court affirmed that the Cherokee Nation was a distinct community with self-governing powers, and that treaties made between the U.S. government and Native American tribes were to be upheld. This ruling established a precedent that recognized the sovereignty of Native American nations and limited state interference in their affairs.

3. Jackson's Response to the Decision:
   President Andrew Jackson's response to the Supreme Court's decision was notably dismissive. Allegedly, he is quoted as saying, “John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it.” This statement indicated Jackson's refusal to support the enforcement of the Court's ruling. His administration continued to advocate for the removal of Native Americans from their ancestral lands, particularly in the southeastern United States, leading to policies that disregarded the Court's findings and further marginalized Native American tribes.

4. Effect on Native Americans:
   The effect of Worcester v. Georgia on Native Americans was profound but ultimately tragic. Despite the Court's ruling in favor of the Cherokee Nation, the federal government, under Jackson's administration, moved forward with policies that led to the forced removal of Native Americans from their lands, exemplified by the Indian Removal Act of 1830. This resulted in the forced relocation of thousands of Cherokee and other tribes along what became known as the Trail of Tears, where thousands suffered from disease, exposure, and starvation. The case underscored the limitations of judicial power when confronted with executive action and highlighted the ongoing struggles of Native American nations in asserting their rights and sovereignty in the face of U.S. expansionist policies.

Answer 2

shorter

Answer 3

Certainly! Here’s a more concise version:

1. Worcester v. Georgia Overview:
   Worcester v. Georgia (1832) was a Supreme Court case involving Samuel Worcester, a missionary arrested for living in Cherokee territory without a state permit. The case challenged Georgia’s laws, arguing that they infringed on the sovereignty of the Cherokee Nation, which had treaties with the federal government.

2. Outcome of the Decision:
   The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Worcester, stating that Georgia's laws had no authority over Cherokee lands and reaffirming the sovereignty of Native American nations, thus recognizing treaties as binding and limiting state interference.

3. Jackson's Response:
   President Andrew Jackson responded dismissively, reportedly stating that the Supreme Court’s ruling could not be enforced without his support, effectively ignoring the decision. He continued to promote the removal of Native Americans from their lands.

4. Effect on Native Americans:
   Despite the favorable ruling, the outcome led to devastating consequences for Native Americans. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 resulted in the forced relocation of the Cherokee and other tribes along the Trail of Tears, causing immense suffering and loss of life, underscoring the challenges Native peoples faced in asserting their rights.