John Marshall

The life work of John Marshall is intimately blended with the Constitution. He ranked high as a soldier, legislator, diplomat, historian, and statesman. As a jurist and magistrate, he ranks first. For 34 years he served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, leaving a record for constructive results in the Government of the United States second only to that of Washington. Soldier. - He began the study of law at the age of 18 years, but soon left his studies to enter the Revolutionary Army. His experiences, with their heroisms and hardships, "broadened his views and quickened his insight in governmental questions." He said, "I entered the Army a Virginian and left it an American." Member of assembly. - After the war he was elected a member of the Virginia Assembly. During his remarkable career he served in the legislature for eight sessions. He continually emphasized his conviction that for efficiency a strong central government was necessary. Ratification of the Constitution. - As a member of the State convention, in 1788, which met to discuss the ratification of the Constitution of the United States, through the power of his convincing logic, the ratification of the Constitution was accomplished over the determined opposition of its enemies. Member of Congress. - At the urgent request of Washington, he became a candidate and was elected to Congress, where he became the greatest debater on constitutional questions. Interpretation of the Constitution. - In 1829, through his wisdom and moderation, he did much to prevent radical changes in the State constitution of Virginia, thwarting the attempts of politicians against the independence of the judiciary. Because of his exceptional understanding of the philosophy of the Constitution of the United States, his counsel was of prime importance. His deep convictions and illuminating arguments contained in his decisions concerning constitutional questions, at a period when the powers of the Constitution were ill defined, were of inestimable value in the formation of a well-organized Federal Government. "He made the Constitution live. He imparted to it the breath of immortality. Its vigorous life at the present time is due mainly to the wise interpretation he gave to its provisions during his term of office." The most notable products of Marshall's unprecedented judicial career may be summed up under two heads In the first place, he established the supremacy of Federal law within the entire circle of its jurisdiction, no matter whether it was opposed by the Congress or by a State legislature in the form of unconstitutional enactments, or by the President giving "instructions not warranted by law"; or by State supreme courts attempting to resist the mandates of the Supreme Court; or by the governors of States attempting to resist such mandates; in the second place, in defining the character of "the American Constitution." - Origin and Growth of the American Constitution - Hannis Taylor.