University of Central Florida (UCF) AMH2010 U.S. History: 1492-1877 Practice Exam 2

The Supreme Court case that upheld the sovereignty of Native American nations against state laws is Worcester v. Georgia. This landmark decision recognized that the federal government had exclusive authority over Indian affairs, meaning that states could not impose their laws on Native American territories.

In the case, the court ruled that the state of Georgia had no jurisdiction over the Cherokee Nation, which was considered a distinct political community. The decision reinforced the idea that Native American nations were separate from state governments and had certain rights that could not be infringed upon by state legislation. This was a significant affirmation of tribal sovereignty during a time when the U.S. government was increasingly encroaching on Native lands.

The other cases listed did not deal with Native American sovereignty. McCulloch v. Maryland focused on federal authority and the constitutionality of a national bank, while Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review. Plessy v. Ferguson was a later case that dealt with racial segregation, showing the variety of issues addressed by the Supreme Court throughout American history.