What was a notable belief of John Marshall during his tenure as Chief Justice?

John Marshall, serving as Chief Justice from 1801 to 1835, is renowned for his role in shaping the U.S. legal system and the principle of judicial review. A notable belief of Marshall during his tenure was the expansion of government power, particularly the power of the federal government over states and the interpretation of the Constitution.

Marshall's decisions often emphasized the authority of the federal government, asserting that it had supremacy over state laws when conflicts arose. This is best illustrated in landmark cases such as McCulloch v. Maryland (1819), where he upheld the constitutionality of the Second Bank of the United States and affirmed that states could not tax federal institutions, thereby reinforcing the notion of federal superiority. He also advanced the idea that a broad interpretation of the Constitution was necessary to adapt to the evolving needs of the nation, moving away from a strict constructionist viewpoint.

In conclusion, Marshall's contributions significantly expanded federal power and established the justification for a more robust national government, laying the groundwork for future interpretations and developments in American law and governance.