Lesson 25 of 84 · The Constitution
⭐ 30 XP🏛️ Civic SquareJudicial Review: Marbury v. Madison
Judicial Review is the power of the courts to determine whether laws or actions by the government are constitutional.
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Learn how the rule got made — and who it serves.
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Mind = Blown
🤯 Some laws on the books are over 800 years old and still apply.
Then & Now
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Judicial Review is the power of the courts to determine whether laws or actions by the government are constitutional. This important principle was established in the landmark case Marbury v. Madison in 1803. In this case, William Marbury sued Secretary of State James Madison for not delivering his appointment as a justice of the peace. The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice John Marshall, ruled that it had the authority to review acts of Congress and state laws, thereby establishing the principle of judicial review that allows the judiciary to check the powers of the other branches of government.
Key Facts
Judicial Review was established in the case Marbury v. Madison in 1803.
It allows courts to determine if laws are constitutional.
Chief Justice John Marshall played a key role in this decision.
Timeline
Women gain the right to vote (19th Amendment)
The Great Depression begins
The U.S. enters World War II
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What is Judicial Review?
Why this still matters
Your school has rules. Where do they come from? Who decides them?
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