The Constitution — Test

Question 21 • CMS 2026-2027 Founding Principles of the US and NC: Civic Literacy CREDIT RECOVERY

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

Answer

He wrote an article about Marbury in the newspaper, which hurt his career as a federal judge.

He reduced the number of federal judges in the district, preventing Marbury from getting a job.

He refused to honor an appointment made by a previous presidential administration.

He disagreed with Marbury politically, and withdrew a job offer he had made.

Explanation

William Marbury had been appointed a justice of the peace by the outgoing administration of President John Adams. When James Madison, serving as secretary of state under President Thomas Jefferson, refused to deliver Marbury’s commission, Marbury sued to force its delivery. Therefore, the correct answer is “He refused to honor an appointment made by a previous presidential administration.”

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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