document meant. the Supreme Court became in fact as well as in theory an equal partner in government, and it has played that role ever since.The Court would not declare another act of Congress unconstitutional until 1857, and it has used that power sparingly. But through its role as arbiter of the Constitution, it has, especially in the twentieth century, been the chief agency for the expansion of individual rights.For further reading: George L. Haskins and Herbert A. Johnson, Foundations of Power: John Marshall, 1801-1815 (1981); Donald O. Dewey, Marshall v. Jefferson: The Political Background of Marbury v. Madison (1970). JMU Editor: "Jeffersonians" and "Republicans" refer to the adherents of the same party, the party of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, which at this web site will consistently be referred to as the Democratic-Republican party. The "Federalists" were the party of John Adams and Alexander Hamilton. For more on the party system, go to "Two Parties and the First Two Party System" in "James Madison: His Legacy." [Back up to note marker...
