Final answer:
Judicial review allows courts to rule on the consistency of laws with the Constitution and was established by the landmark Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison. It serves as a critical component of the checks and balances system in U.S. government, ensuring the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions.The correct answer is option A.
Step-by-step explanation:
Judicial review refers to the authority for a judge to rule which laws are or are not consistent with a constitution, thereby allowing courts to evaluate legislation against the Constitution and its intent.
This principle was established by the Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison in 1803, which is rooted in the U.S. system of checks and balances.
Despite the Constitution being silent on the subject, judicial review is essential for maintaining the legality and constitutionality of the actions of Congress, the Executive Branch, and state governments.
The power of judicial review is critical because it allows the courts, particularly the Supreme Court, to invalidate laws and actions of the government that do not conform to the Constitution.
Over the history of the United States, the Supreme Court has used this power sparingly, striking down a relatively small number of both federal and state laws.
Nonetheless, judicial review acts as a significant check on the legislative and executive branches, reinforcing the system of checks and balances that is fundamental to American democracy.The correct answer is option A.