Eighth Grade Expansion and Reform
Lesson 4
Title: Power of the Court
Grade Level: 8
Unit of Study: Expansion and Reform
GLCE:
U4.1.4
Establishing a National Judiciary and Its Power – Explain the development of the power of the Supreme Court
through the doctrine of judicial review as manifested in Marbury v. Madison (1803) and the role of Chief Justice
John Marshall and the Supreme Court in interpreting the power of the national government (e.g., McCullouch v.
Maryland, Dartmouth College v. Woodward, Gibbons v. Ogden). (C3, E1.4, 2.2)
Abstract: Civic participation is essential for effective government
Key Concepts: How do court rulings establish precedent and define the judiciary branch?
Sequence of Activities:
1. Discuss how judicial review was established and connect it to the Constitution’s
vagueness in relation to the court system.
2. Brainstorm the concept of how precedent is established and how past precedent affects
current law (this should include discussion of key court cases: Marbury v. Madison,
Gibbons v. Ogden, McCullouch v. Maryland, etc).
3. Analyze 1-2 court cases (what was the decision, why is it precedent, is it still applicable?)
4. Connect court decisions/precedent to student centered issues (student handbook/rules, 1st
amendment rights, computer rights).
Connections:
English Language Arts
Debate court decisions
Mathematics
Instructional Resources:
Equipment/Manipulative
Student Resources
Copies of court cases
Teacher Resources
Supreme Court Cases http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/
http://www.landmarkcases.org/
Calhoun ISD Social Studies Curriculum Design Project