John Adams Vs Thomas Jefferson Analysis

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Facts
In 1803 President John Adams ran for re-election against Thomas Jefferson. During Adams last few weeks as President he made several federal appointments. One includes William Marbury as justice of the Peace in the District of Columbia. When Thomas Jefferson became president he refused to acknowledge the appointment of Marbury. Protocol was that each man would receive a signed and sealed paper commission. James Madison was Secretary of State at the present time and one of his duties was to deliver the commission or notice of appointments. Madison was instructed by Thomas Jefferson not to do so and he complied. Marbury and other justices of the peace sued Madison and requested that the Supreme Court issue a writ of mandamus requiring his

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