Final answer:
The Supreme Court has often acted to declare laws unconstitutional, including the National Industrial Recovery Act, provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Defense of Marriage Act, as part of its role in the system of checks and balances.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Supreme Court has declared numerous laws unconstitutional over the years. This process is a fundamental part of the system of checks and balances established by the U.S. Constitution. For instance, the Supreme Court declared the National Industrial Recovery Act unconstitutional in A. L. A. Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States, as it improperly delegated legislative power to the executive branch. In another significant case, the Court struck down key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, removing the requirement for certain states to receive federal pre-approval for changes to their voting laws. Additionally, the Supreme Court declared the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional because it violated the Equal Protection Clause in the Fourteenth Amendment, which led to the recognition of same-sex marriages.
Other notable decisions have shaped civil rights, voting rights, and economic regulations. For instance, the Supreme Court's decision in Baker v. Carr established the principle of "one-man, one-vote," ensuring fair and equal representation in legislative districts. Moreover, it outlawed discrimination within the private sector by nullifying federal laws that were meant to enact the Civil War Amendments. The Court has also made pronouncements on various state laws, often reaffirming citizens' rights and upholding individual liberties.