Cherokee Resistance and Jackson's Defiance
Explain how the Cherokee Nation used legal and constitutional strategies to resist removal and why Jackson defied the Supreme Court's ruling in Grade 8 history.
Key Concepts
The Cherokee Nation resisted removal by adopting American style political and legal methods. To protect their land, they established a government with a written constitution and declared themselves a sovereign, or independent, nation.
This strategy led to a major legal battle. The Cherokee took their case to the U.S. Supreme Court and won in the 1832 decision of Worcester v. Georgia . The Court affirmed that Georgia could not impose its laws on Cherokee territory.
Common Questions
How did the Cherokee resist removal?
The Cherokee Nation established a written constitution, created their own government and courts, and took their case to the Supreme Court to fight removal through legal channels.
What did the Supreme Court rule in Worcester v. Georgia?
In Worcester v. Georgia (1832), the Supreme Court ruled that Georgia had no authority over Cherokee territory, declaring the removal policy unconstitutional.
How did Jackson respond to the Supreme Court ruling?
Jackson refused to enforce the Supreme Court's decision, reportedly declaring 'John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it,' and proceeded with Cherokee removal.