Here's why:
* Chief Justice: As Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from 1801 to 1835, Marshall had immense influence over the court's decisions and the interpretation of the Constitution.
* Landmark Cases: He presided over many landmark cases that established key precedents for American law. Some notable examples include:
* Marbury v. Madison (1803): Established the principle of judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional.
* McCulloch v. Maryland (1819): Upheld the principle of implied powers, expanding the federal government's authority.
* Gibbons v. Ogden (1824): Affirmed the federal government's power to regulate interstate commerce.
* National Supremacy: Marshall's decisions consistently favored the power of the federal government over states, establishing the principle of national supremacy.
Through his leadership and decisions, John Marshall significantly shaped the American legal landscape and established the Supreme Court as a powerful and influential institution.