Final answer:
Judicial review is the power of the courts to determine the constitutionality of laws, originally established in the Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison in 1803, and is fundamental to the system of checks and balances within the U.S. government. The correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
Judicial review falls under the concept of checks and balances, was established in the landmark Supreme Court case of Marbury v. Madison in 1803. Although not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, it was backed by Alexander Hamilton's prediction in Federalist 78 and later became a core aspect of the judicial system in the United States.
The Supreme Court and lower federal courts, as well as state courts, can exercise judicial review by evaluating if legislative or executive actions are in agreement with the Constitution. Marbury v. Madison essentially vested the judiciary with the power to nullify laws it determines are unconstitutional, thereby enhancing the court's role in government.
Over the years, the courts have used judicial review sparingly, striking down a relatively small proportion of national and state laws compared to the total number enacted since its inception.
Hence, Option A is correct.