Lesson 57 of 84 · The Constitution
⭐ 30 XP🏛️ Civic SquareJudicial Review: Marbury v. Madison
Judicial review, a fundamental principle established by the Supreme Court case Marbury v.
🎯 Your mission
Spot the fair part. Spot the unfair part.
⚡ The twist
A 'fair rule' for one group can be unfair for another.
Mind = Blown
🤯 Some laws on the books are over 800 years old and still apply.
Then & Now
🏛️ The rule you'll meet today is still on the books — sort of.
Judicial review, a fundamental principle established by the Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison in 1803, empowers the judiciary to invalidate laws and executive actions that are contrary to the Constitution. This landmark decision arose from a political conflict between outgoing President John Adams and incoming President Thomas Jefferson, wherein William Marbury sought to obtain his commission as a justice of the peace. Chief Justice John Marshall's ruling not only denied Marbury's claim but also asserted the Court's authority to review and overturn legislative acts, thereby solidifying the judiciary's role as a co-equal branch of government and a guardian of constitutional interpretation.
Key Facts
Marbury v. Madison was decided in 1803.
This case established the principle of judicial review.
Chief Justice John Marshall played a key role in the decision.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What principle was established by Marbury v. Madison?
Why this still matters
Your school has rules. Where do they come from? Who decides them?
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Make up a fair rule for your family. Pitch it.
For the dinner table
“What's one rule at our house you'd change if you could vote on it?”
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