Strengthening the Federal Government:
1. Judicial Review: Marshall established the principle of judicial review in the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison (1803). This decision gave the Supreme Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional, thereby strengthening the federal government's authority to interpret and enforce the Constitution.
2. Elastic Clause Interpretation: Marshall's interpretation of the Constitution's Necessary and Proper Clause in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) expanded the federal government's implied powers. He argued that the federal government could exercise powers not explicitly listed in the Constitution as long as they were necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.
3. Federal Supremacy: Marshall's decisions emphasized the supremacy of federal laws over state laws in cases like Gibbons v. Ogden (1824). This established the federal government's authority to regulate interstate commerce and reinforced its dominance in certain areas of governance.
Impact on Individual Rights:
1. Balancing Acts: While Marshall's decisions often strengthened the federal government, they also recognized and affirmed certain individual rights. For example, in cases like Fletcher v. Peck (1810), Marshall upheld the sanctity of contracts, protecting the rights of individuals and businesses from arbitrary state actions.
2. Expansion of Due Process: In Calder v. Bull (1798), Marshall interpreted the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment to provide some protections against arbitrary government actions, though the full scope of these protections would develop over time.
3. Native American Rights: Marshall's decisions in cases involving Native American tribes, such as Cherokee Nation v. Georgia (1831), recognized tribal sovereignty and their rights to self-governance, although these decisions did not ultimately protect Native American tribes from encroachment and forced removals.
Overall, John Marshall's tenure as Chief Justice of the United States had a profound impact on the balance of power between the federal government and the states, as well as on the recognition and protection of individual rights. His decisions continue to shape constitutional law and jurisprudence in the United States.