What is the Supreme Court's power to declare laws and actions unconstitutional called?

What is the Supreme Court's power to declare laws and actions unconstitutional called?

• A. Judicial Review
• B. Veto
• C. Executive Order
• D. Double Jeopardy

Answer: (A)

Judicial review is the power to examine laws and government actions and determine whether they align with the Constitution. This authority lets the Supreme Court strike down unconstitutional statutes or executive actions, serving as a check on both the legislative and executive branches. The idea was established in Marbury v. Madison (1803), which held that the Constitution is the supreme law and that courts may invalidate laws that conflict with it. For example, if Congress passes a law infringing on freedom of speech, or the President issues an order beyond constitutional powers, judicial review allows the Court to declare those actions unconstitutional. Other options involve different powers: the veto is the President's rejection of legislation, an executive order is a directive from the President, and double jeopardy protects against being tried twice for the same offense.

Judicial review is the power to examine laws and government actions and determine whether they align with the Constitution. This authority lets the Supreme Court strike down unconstitutional statutes or executive actions, serving as a check on both the legislative and executive branches. The idea was established in Marbury v. Madison (1803), which held that the Constitution is the supreme law and that courts may invalidate laws that conflict with it. For example, if Congress passes a law infringing on freedom of speech, or the President issues an order beyond constitutional powers, judicial review allows the Court to declare those actions unconstitutional. Other options involve different powers: the veto is the President's rejection of legislation, an executive order is a directive from the President, and double jeopardy protects against being tried twice for the same offense.