Which body has the power to declare laws and actions unconstitutional?

Which body has the power to declare laws and actions unconstitutional?

• A. President
• B. Supreme Court
• C. Senate
• D. House

Answer: (B)

Judicial review is the process by which courts interpret the Constitution and determine whether laws or government actions violate it. The Supreme Court acts as the highest authority in this area, serving as the final arbiter on constitutional questions. While the President enforces laws and can veto legislation, and Congress writes laws, neither branch has the authority to declare a law unconstitutional on its own—the power rests with the judiciary. This check-and-balance system, established and reinforced through cases like Marbury v. Madison, allows lower federal courts to strike down unconstitutional laws in specific cases, with the Supreme Court ultimately deciding the constitutional interpretation. That’s why the Supreme Court is the correct choice.

Judicial review is the process by which courts interpret the Constitution and determine whether laws or government actions violate it. The Supreme Court acts as the highest authority in this area, serving as the final arbiter on constitutional questions. While the President enforces laws and can veto legislation, and Congress writes laws, neither branch has the authority to declare a law unconstitutional on its own—the power rests with the judiciary. This check-and-balance system, established and reinforced through cases like Marbury v. Madison, allows lower federal courts to strike down unconstitutional laws in specific cases, with the Supreme Court ultimately deciding the constitutional interpretation. That’s why the Supreme Court is the correct choice.