What key principle did Marbury v. Madison establish?

• A. Judicial review
• B. Federal supremacy
• C. State sovereignty
• D. Executive privilege

Answer: (A)

Judicial review—the idea that courts can strike down laws or government actions that violate the Constitution. In Marbury v. Madison, the Supreme Court established that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land and that the judiciary has the authority to interpret it and invalidate anything that contradicts it. The case involved William Marbury seeking a court order to force delivery of his commission, but the ruling used the moment to declare that part of a law giving the Court original jurisdiction was unconstitutional. From then on, the courts could review and nullify congressional or executive actions that breach the Constitution, creating a crucial check on the other branches.

This isn’t about federal supremacy over states, state sovereignty, or executive privilege. It centers on the power of the courts to uphold constitutional limits and protect rights by declaring unconstitutional acts.