Who significantly increased the power of the federal government through Supreme Court rulings?

John Marshall played a crucial role in strengthening the power of the federal government through his tenure as Chief Justice of the United States from 1801 to 1835. His rulings in landmark cases established the principle of judicial review, which allowed the Supreme Court to invalidate laws and actions that conflicted with the Constitution. This power was solidified in the case of Marbury v. Madison, where Marshall asserted the authority of the Supreme Court to overrule both Congress and the states when their actions were found unconstitutional.

Moreover, through decisions in cases such as McCulloch v. Maryland and Gibbons v. Ogden, he reinforced the supremacy of federal legislation over state laws and broadened the interpretation of federal powers under the Constitution. Marshall’s interpretations laid the groundwork for a stronger federal government and expanded the reach of federal authority in economic and regulatory matters, significantly influencing American constitutional law. His contributions firmly established the judicial branch as a co-equal partner in governance alongside the executive and legislative branches, which reshaped the balance of power in favor of the federal government.