Adams Arrangement Letter Analysis

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In the most recent couple of weeks of Adams' organization, before President Thomas Jefferson took office, Congress approved the arrangement of 42 judges of the peace in the District of Columbia and Alexandria, Virginia. President Adams made arrangements to these positions, and the Senate affirmed them on March 3, the day preceding Jefferson took office. The formal letters reporting the arrangements were to be conveyed by the Secretary of State's Office. Notwithstanding, not the greater part of the commissions were conveyed by the due date that night.

William Marbury was one of those judges of the peace delegated by Adams who neglected to get his arrangement letter (bonus) on time. He brought suit against Secretary of State James Madison for