23
QuizMultiple Choice

The Constitution — Test

Question 23 • Civics

Why was James Madison sued, resulting in Marbury v. Madison ?

Answer
A
He disagreed with Marbury politically, and withdrew a job offer he had made.
B
He reduced the number of federal judges in the district, preventing Marbury from getting a job.
C
He refused to honor an appointment made by a previous presidential administration.

Explanation

William Marbury had been appointed a justice of the peace by President John Adams, but his commission was not delivered before Thomas Jefferson took office. As Jefferson’s secretary of state, James Madison refused to deliver it. Marbury sued to compel Madison to honor the appointment made by the previous administration, so the correct choice is C.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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