1751-1836

Examines the debates of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 which led to the Supreme Court's landmark decision in 1803 in "Marbury v. Madison", which gave the Court the power to determine what the Constitution and the laws under it really mean.

Discusses the early years of the U.S. Supreme Court, when John Marshall, a distant cousin to Thomas Jefferson, handled a case involving the two political parties--the Federalists and the Republicans--as the transfer of power commenced, with details of "Marbury v. Madison" and its formative role in the future of the nation.

Examines the Supreme Court case of 1803 that marked the first time that a law passed by Congress was found to be illegal according to the Constitution.

Presents a brief profile of the 1803 U.S. Supreme Court case and decision between William Marbury and newly appointed Secretary of State James Madison that would alter the balance of power among the three branches of government.

A biography of the man who was influential at the Constitutional Convention, served as Secretary of State under Jefferson, and then became the fourth president of the United States.

Describes the events surrounding the writing of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

Traces the efforts by James Madison between 1787 and 1789 as he battled anti-Federalist Patrick Henry to secure Virginia's ratification of the new Constitution, won the election to the House of Representatives, and secured the creation of the Bill of Rights.

A portrait of Madison as a republican leader and statesman from 1787 to 1817.