What is judicial review?

• A. Courts' power to interpret laws and strike down those that violate the Constitution.
• B. The ability of Congress to override Supreme Court decisions.
• C. The process by which a bill becomes law.
• D. The President's power to appoint justices.

Answer: (A)

Judicial review is the power of courts to interpret laws and strike down those that violate the Constitution. This creates a check on both the legislative and executive branches, because if a law or government action goes beyond what the Constitution allows, the judiciary can declare it unconstitutional. The concept is historically tied to the early Republic and is most famously associated with Marbury v. Madison, which established that courts have the duty to interpret the Constitution and invalidate laws or actions that conflict with it. This mechanism helps ensure that laws and government actions stay within constitutional limits and protects individual rights. It’s not about how a bill becomes a law, nor about the President’s appointment power, nor about Congress overruling court decisions.