Marbury v. Madison: What is Judicial Review?

The video explains the concept of judicial review, a power of the Supreme Court to determine the constitutionality of laws. This power was established in the landmark case Marbury v. Madison in 1803. The case arose from the 1800 presidential election when John Adams made last-minute judicial appointments, which were not delivered before Thomas Jefferson took office. William Marbury, one of the appointees, sued for his commission. The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice John Marshall, ruled that the Judiciary Act was unconstitutional, establishing the principle of judicial review. This decision reinforced the system of checks and balances in the US government.

What is the primary role of the Supreme Court as described in the first section?

• To elect the President

• To create new laws

• To interpret the Constitution

• To enforce laws

What significant event led to the Marbury v. Madison case?

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence

• The presidential election of 1800

• The Louisiana Purchase

• The Civil War

Why did William Marbury not receive his appointment?

• The letters were not delivered on time

• He declined the position

• He was not qualified

• The position was abolished

What was the Supreme Court's decision regarding the Judiciary Act?

• It was constitutional

• It was unconstitutional

• It was irrelevant

• It was postponed

What legal precedent was established by the Marbury v. Madison case?

• The process of judicial review

• The right to bear arms

• The right to free speech

• The abolition of slavery