Synopses & Reviews
Following the bitterly contested election between Adams and Jefferson in 1800, the United States teetered on the brink of a second revolution. When Adams sought to prolong his policies in defiance of the electorate by packing the courts, it became evident that the new Constitution was limited in its powers. Change was in order and John Marshall stepped up to the challenge.
The Great Decision tells the riveting story of Marshall and of the landmark court case, Marbury v. Madison, through which he empowered the Supreme Court and transformed the idea of the separation of powers into a working blueprint for our modern state. Rich in atmospheric detail, political intrigue, and fascinating characters, The Great Decision is an illuminating tale of Americaand#8217;s formative years and the evolution of our democracy.
Synopsis
In 1800, the United States teetered on the brink of a second revolution. The presidential election between Adams and Jefferson was a bitterly contested tie, and the government neared collapse. The Supreme Court had no clear purpose or power -- no one had even thought to build it a courtroom in the new capital city. When Adams sought to prolong his policies in defiance of the electorate by packing the courts, the fine words of the new Constitution could do nothing to stop him. It would take a man to make those words good, and America found him in John Marshall.
The Great Decision tells the riveting story of Marshall and of the landmark court case, Marbury v. Madison, through which he empowered the Supreme Court and transformed the idea of the separation of powers into a working blueprint for our modern state. Rich in atmospheric detail, political intrigue, and fascinating characters, The Great Decision is an illuminating tale of America's formative years and of the evolution of our democracy.
Synopsis
"The Great Decision" tells the riveting story of John Marshall and of the landmark court case that not only empowered the Supreme Court, but also transformed the idea of the separation of powers into a working blueprint for America's modern state.
About the Author
Cliff Sloan is a former Supreme Court clerk. He has written about the Supreme Court for many publications, including
Newsweek,
The Washington Post, and
Slate.
David McKean is a top-level Senate aide, a veteran political strategist, and the author of Friends in High Places and Tommy the Cork.