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?
1. Worcester v. Georgia was a landmark Supreme Court case in 1832 that involved the relationship between the state of Georgia and the Cherokee Nation. The case revolved around Cherokee Nation's attempt to assert its sovereignty and prevent Georgia from enforcing its laws within Cherokee lands.
2. The Supreme Court, under Chief Justice John Marshall, ruled in favor of the Cherokee Nation and declared that Georgia could not interfere with the Cherokee land or their laws. The court held that the Cherokee Nation was a sovereign entity, with the right to self-governance and control over their territory. The decision emphasized the legally binding nature of treaties entered into with Native American tribes.
3. President Andrew Jackson strongly opposed the Supreme Court's decision in Worcester v. Georgia. Despite the court ruling that Georgia's laws did not apply to the Cherokee lands, Jackson famously responded by reportedly saying, "John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it." Jackson refused to enforce the court's decision, indicating his unwillingness to protect the rights of Native American tribes.
4. The effect on the Native Americans was detrimental. Georgia and other states ignored the court's ruling and proceeded with forcibly removing the Cherokee Nation from their lands in what is now known as the Trail of Tears. Thousands of Cherokee people were forcibly displaced, leading to the death of many due to the harsh conditions they were subjected to during the forced relocation.