What is judicial review and which body holds it in the United States?

What is judicial review and which body holds it in the United States?

• A. The power to declare laws unconstitutional; held by the Supreme Court.
• B. The power to veto laws; held by the President.
• C. The power to interpret treaties; held by the Senate.
• D. The power to appoint judges; held by the Congress.

Answer: (A)

Judicial review is the power of courts to examine laws and government actions to determine whether they violate the Constitution. In the United States, this authority sits with the Supreme Court, which can strike down laws or actions that conflict with the Constitution. This power was established in Marbury v. Madison (1803), framing the judiciary as a check on both the legislative and executive branches. While lower federal courts also review the constitutionality of laws in cases they hear, the Supreme Court remains the ultimate interpreter of the Constitution. The other options describe powers assigned to other branches: veto is a presidential power, interpreting treaties is not a Senate function, and appointing judges is a Congress responsibility.

Judicial review is the power of courts to examine laws and government actions to determine whether they violate the Constitution. In the United States, this authority sits with the Supreme Court, which can strike down laws or actions that conflict with the Constitution. This power was established in Marbury v. Madison (1803), framing the judiciary as a check on both the legislative and executive branches. While lower federal courts also review the constitutionality of laws in cases they hear, the Supreme Court remains the ultimate interpreter of the Constitution. The other options describe powers assigned to other branches: veto is a presidential power, interpreting treaties is not a Senate function, and appointing judges is a Congress responsibility.