Question

question: 10
based the text from the important courts decision in worcester v. georgia and answer the question.
the federal nations had always been considered as distinct, independent political communities retaining their original natural rights as sovereigns of the soil, free from all foreign control.
what was the courts opinion in the case and how did it affect the cherokees?
a. the court held that american indians were us citizens and entitled to constitutional protections. the courts ruling allowed the cherokees to retain possession of their homeland.
b. the court held that because american indians were not us citizens, the government did not have to respect their claims to land. the government then forced the cherokees to leave their homeland.
c. the court held that american indian tribes were sovereign and therefore not subject to us laws. despite a ruling in the cherokeess favor, the government forced them to leave their homeland.
d. the court held that american indian tribes were not sovereign and could not enter into treaties. because prior treaties with the cherokees were invalid, the cherokees retained possession of their homeland.

Explanation:

The question is about the Supreme Court's opinion in a case related to the Cherokee, likely Worcester v. Georgia or a similar case about Native American sovereignty and land rights. Option C states the court held tribes were sovereign (not subject to US laws in their territory) and despite a favorable ruling, the government forced removal. This matches historical context: the court ruled in favor of Cherokee sovereignty, but Andrew Jackson ignored it, leading to the Trail of Tears. Option A is wrong as the ruling didn't let them retain land (removal still happened). Option B is wrong because the court did recognize their sovereignty/status in a way. Option D is wrong as treaties were not invalidated in that way, and they didn't retain the homeland.

Answer:

C. The court held that American Indian tribes were sovereign and therefore not subject to US laws. Despite a ruling in the Cherokee's favor, the government forced them to leave their homeland.