What is the significance of Marbury v. Madison?

• A. It ended segregation in schools
• B. It established the principle of judicial review
• C. It defined presidential powers
• D. It set the precedent for free speech rights

Answer: (B)

The significance of Marbury v. Madison lies in its establishment of the principle of judicial review, which is the authority of the courts to review laws and actions of the government and determine their constitutionality. This landmark case, decided in 1803, effectively empowered the judiciary to invalidate legislation and executive acts that are found to violate the Constitution. By affirming that it is the duty of the judicial branch to interpret the law and ensure that no one, including Congress and the President, is above the Constitution, it laid the foundation for the judiciary's role as a critical check on the powers of the other branches of government. This principle has since become a cornerstone of the American legal system, influencing countless decisions and the balance of power within the government.