Final answer:
The Supreme Court's decision in Marbury v. Madison established the power of judicial review, empowering the Court to nullify legislative acts that conflict with the Constitution. The correct option is a.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Supreme Court's decision in Marbury v. Madison (1803) is historically significant because a. It established the power of judicial review. This groundbreaking case affirmed that the Supreme Court could declare actions of the other branches of government and the states unconstitutional if they were found to conflict with the Constitution.
The ruling in Marbury v. Madison showcased Chief Justice John Marshall's adept legal reasoning, balancing judicial modesty with a strategic assertion of judiciary power. While the Court denied giving Marbury his commission, it underscored the authority of the judicial branch by establishing a precedent for judicial review.
Through this decision, the Court effectively claimed the role of being the arbiter of constitutional interpretation, a crucial element in maintaining the balance of power among the branches of government.
In brief, the case confirmed that an act of the legislature that goes against the Constitution is void, thereby placing the Constitution as the 'fundamental and paramount law of the nation.'
This principle of judicial review has since been a cornerstone of U.S. constitutional law, affirming the judiciary's role in upholding the Constitution against potential overreach by the other branches of government. The correct option is a.