Final answer:
The Marbury v. Madison case established the principle of judicial review and the Supreme Court's authority to interpret the Constitution. This decision is significant as it defines the balance of power between the branches of government and protects individual rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Marbury v. Madison case was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case decided in 1803 that established the principle of judicial review. Judicial review gives the court the power to declare a law or government action unconstitutional. This decision helped define the balance of power between the branches of government and solidified the authority of the Supreme Court.
In the case, William Marbury was appointed as a justice of the peace by then-President John Adams, but his commission was not delivered. Marbury petitioned the Supreme Court to force the new Secretary of State, James Madison, to deliver the commission. Chief Justice John Marshall ruled that Marbury was entitled to the commission, but the court did not have the power to force Madison to deliver it. This decision established the Supreme Court's authority to interpret the Constitution and determine the constitutionality of laws.
The importance of the Marbury v. Madison case lies in the fact that it established the concept of judicial review, which is a crucial part of the checks and balances system in the United States. Through judicial review, the Supreme Court ensures that laws and government actions are in line with the Constitution, protecting individual rights and preventing the abuse of power.
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