Worcester v. Georgia, 1832 Supreme Court Case

Question

The Cherokee Nation, led by Chief John Ross, went to the Supreme Court to argue that Georgia's new laws were unconstitutional.

John Marshall, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, wrote the decision. President Jackson refused to enforce the decision.


Read the adapted version of the decision. Then follow the instructions below.

From the beginning of our government, Congress has passed laws with the Indians that treat them as nations and respect their rights. . . . These laws state that Indian nations control their own territory . . . and the United States government is supposed to protect their independence.

So, the laws of Georgia do not apply to the Cherokee Nation. The people of Georgia cannot enter the Cherokee land unless they have permission. According to the Constitution and our laws, only the United States government can make agreements with the Cherokee.

-Adapted from the decision of Chief Justice John Marshall,

Answer 1

Instructions for Understanding Worcester v. Georgia Decision:

1. Key Figures:

   • Cherokee Nation: A Native American tribe led by Chief John Ross.
   • Chief Justice John Marshall: The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court who delivered the decision.

2. Background Context:

   • The Cherokee Nation argued against Georgia's laws that infringed upon their rights and territorial sovereignty.
   • The Supreme Court's decision emphasized that federal treaties and laws provided the Cherokee Nation with a status akin to that of a sovereign nation, exempting it from state laws.

3. Main Points of the Decision:

   • Independence of Indian Nations: The Supreme Court affirmed that Indian nations have a right to govern themselves and control their own territories.
   • Inapplicability of State Laws: Georgia's laws could not be enforced in Cherokee territory, as the state did not have jurisdiction over the Indian lands.
   • Role of the Federal Government: Only the federal government has the authority to negotiate and form agreements with Native American tribes, underscoring the concept of federal supremacy in this context.

4. Significance:

   • The decision was a landmark in defining the relationship between Native American tribes and state governments, affirming tribal sovereignty.
   • It highlighted the tensions between federal authority and state rights, especially in the context of Native American affairs.
   • The refusal of President Andrew Jackson to enforce the Supreme Court's ruling illustrated the conflict between the Executive branch and the Judiciary, undermining the authority of the Supreme Court.

5. Implications:

   • The case set a precedent for future interactions between Native nations and the United States government, although the actual enforcement of such decisions remained problematic.
   • The outcome contributed to the ongoing injustices faced by Native American tribes, as subsequent policies led to displacement and forced removal, notably the Trail of Tears.

Reflection Questions:

• How did the decision in Worcester v. Georgia reflect the tensions between state and federal authority?
• In what ways did the Chief Justice’s ruling challenge the actions of the Georgia state government?
• What were the long-term effects of President Jackson’s refusal to enforce the Supreme Court’s decision on Native American rights?

Answer 2

Based on the passage above, complete the paragraph to make it correct:



(2 points)
In Worcester v. Georgia, the Supreme Court decided that Georgia's laws about the Cherokee Nation were
. Chief Justice John Marshall wrote that Native American tribes such as the Cherokee were
. But, President Jackson refused to follow the ruling of the Supreme Court. He did not stop people in Georgia from illegally taking Cherokee land.

Answer 3

In Worcester v. Georgia, the Supreme Court decided that Georgia's laws about the Cherokee Nation were unconstitutional. Chief Justice John Marshall wrote that Native American tribes such as the Cherokee were sovereign nations that had the right to govern themselves and control their own territory. But, President Jackson refused to follow the ruling of the Supreme Court. He did not stop people in Georgia from illegally taking Cherokee land.

Answer 4

for the second blank, the options are (part of Georgia and did not control their own land) and (independent nations that controlled their own land)

Answer 5

In Worcester v. Georgia, the Supreme Court decided that Georgia's laws about the Cherokee Nation were unconstitutional. Chief Justice John Marshall wrote that Native American tribes such as the Cherokee were independent nations that controlled their own land. But, President Jackson refused to follow the ruling of the Supreme Court. He did not stop people in Georgia from illegally taking Cherokee land.