What was the primary legal principle established by the ruling in Worcester v. Georgia?

The ruling in Worcester v. Georgia established that states do not have the authority to impose their laws on lands that are under federal jurisdiction, particularly concerning Native American territory. This case underscored the principle that the federal government holds exclusive authority over Native American affairs, thus limiting the power of state governments to interfere with tribal sovereignty. The decision affirmed that the Cherokee Nation was a distinct community with the right to self-governance and made it clear that the states could not extend their laws or jurisdiction over this territory.

This legal principle reinforced the idea of tribal sovereignty and the limitations of state authority, clarifying that matters involving Native American nations fell under federal jurisdiction.