From 1790 to 1857, the Supreme Court emerged as the most powerful branch of our government.

From 1790 to 1857, the Supreme Court emerged as the most powerful branch of our government. I agree with the above statement. The US Supreme Court started slowly as a branch of our government, but by 1857 it emerged as the most powerful branch. The Presidency and the Executive branch certainly can create things, implement new ideas and have a large impact on all the citizens' lives. The Congress as the legislative branch can establish or change laws, …

…elected officials. John Marshall was the Chief Justice for 34 years. Roger Taney was his successor in 1837 and served through 1857. This time period from 1803 until 1857 only had two Chief Justices that molded the law of the land, and the powers of the government branches. This era ended with Dred Scott and once again shows how the Supreme Court molds the law and effect citizens. Clearly, for this time period the Supreme Court exercised the most power.