The late 1700s and early 1800s were a critical period in American history when our newly independent nation was beginning to lay the foundation for how the country would function. During this time, America was in its infancy and its crucial first steps would dictate how the nation would walk, run, or retreat. John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the United States, was a very important and influential political figure whose decisions forever shaped the future of the American judicial system. Like many other major political figures, much of John Marshall's influence can be attributed to timing; emerged just as the Constitution of the United States came into existence. John Marshall was born in Virginia in 1755 to a large family whose father was involved in local politics and whose mother was a cousin of Thomas Jefferson, Marshall's later opponent. After serving as an officer in the American Revolution, Marshall returned home in 1779 to become one of Virginia's leading lawyers. In 1782 he was elected a delegate to the Virginia assembly and later took part in the Virginia ratification convention, in which he staunchly defended the new Constitution of the United States. Growing in popularity, John Marshall was elected to Congress in 1799 and, continuing to remain loyal to the Federalist Party, gave his full support to President John Adams, who appointed him Secretary of State in 1801 ("John Marshall"). In the election of 1800, also known as the “Revolution of 1800,” Thomas Jefferson was elected, ending the tenure of John Adams and the Federalist government (“The Election of 1800”). After being defeated by Jefferson, Adams quickly appointed John Marshall as Chief Justice... middle of paper... The Court saw some of the most controversial and unprecedented decisions ever made in American history. Lord Bryce described his overall influence; “The Constitution seemed not so much to rise under his hands to its full stature, as to be gradually unveiled by him until it revealed itself in the harmonious perfection of the form which its framers had designed” (Smith, “Maximum Justice”). The Supreme Court under Marshall assumed the vital role of interpreting specific clauses of the United States Constitution and enumerating the powers it granted to both state and federal governments. He elevated the status of the judiciary until it found itself in a position of power equal to that of the other two. Above all, John Marshall did everything in his power to achieve his most important goal; to strengthen and protect “the more perfect union” created by the Constitution of the United States.