Checks and Balances in Action: Judicial Review
Explain how Marbury v. Madison established judicial review, giving the Supreme Court power to strike down unconstitutional laws and balance government branches in Grade 8 history.
Key Concepts
The Constitution created the Supreme Court, but its power to check the other branches was not clearly defined. This changed with the landmark 1803 case of Marbury v. Madison , which questioned the limits of the Court's authority.
Chief Justice John Marshall used this case to establish the principle of judicial review . He argued that the Court must uphold the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.
Common Questions
What is judicial review?
Judicial review is the Supreme Court's power to examine laws and strike down any that violate the Constitution, established by the 1803 Marbury v. Madison ruling.
What happened in Marbury v. Madison?
Chief Justice John Marshall ruled that the Supreme Court had the authority to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional, establishing judicial review as a fundamental principle.
Why is Marbury v. Madison important?
It created the balance of power among the three branches by giving courts the ability to check Congress and the president by invalidating unconstitutional laws.