GED Social Studies TestU.S. HistoryMedium
A political historian is analyzing the impact of the Supreme Court's decision in *Marbury v. Madison* (1803). Which of the following best describes the long-term significance of this landmark ruling?
- AIt established judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.
- BIt established the principle of popular sovereignty in presidential elections.
- CIt affirmed the right of states to nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional.
- DIt granted the President the power to appoint federal judges without Senate approval.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. It established judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.
*Marbury v. Madison* is a foundational case in U.S. constitutional law because it established the principle of judicial review. This power allows the Supreme Court to determine if acts of the legislative and executive branches are consistent with the Constitution, significantly shaping the balance of power.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Popular sovereignty relates to the will of the people, not the power established in *Marbury v. Madison*.
- C. The idea of nullification was later debated but was not established or affirmed by *Marbury v. Madison*.
- D. The case actually dealt with the appointment process, but its significance was in defining the Court's power, not the President's.
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
A landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review in the United States.
- Chief Justice John Marshall presided.
- Court declared a portion of the Judiciary Act of 1789 unconstitutional.
- Empowered the Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution and invalidate laws.
Memory trick: Marbury's 'Magic' decision gave the Court the power to review laws.