What was the significance of the case Marbury v. Madison?

What was the significance of the case Marbury v. Madison?

• A. It established the Supreme Court's ability to declare acts unconstitutional
• B. It limited the President’s power over appointments
• C. It expanded the right to vote
• D. It initiated a new constitutional amendment

Answer: (A)

The case of Marbury v. Madison is significant because it established the principle of judicial review, which empowers the Supreme Court to determine the constitutionality of legislative acts and executive actions. This landmark decision, issued in 1803, asserted the court's authority to invalidate laws that conflict with the Constitution, thereby solidifying the judiciary as a co-equal branch of government alongside the executive and legislative branches. This principle is foundational to the American legal system, as it ensures that all laws and policies adhere to the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land. By affirming the authority of the judiciary to review actions of the other branches, Marbury v. Madison ensured a system of checks and balances within the government, thereby protecting individual rights and maintaining the rule of law.

The case of Marbury v. Madison is significant because it established the principle of judicial review, which empowers the Supreme Court to determine the constitutionality of legislative acts and executive actions. This landmark decision, issued in 1803, asserted the court's authority to invalidate laws that conflict with the Constitution, thereby solidifying the judiciary as a co-equal branch of government alongside the executive and legislative branches.

This principle is foundational to the American legal system, as it ensures that all laws and policies adhere to the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land. By affirming the authority of the judiciary to review actions of the other branches, Marbury v. Madison ensured a system of checks and balances within the government, thereby protecting individual rights and maintaining the rule of law.