Final answer:
Judicial review refers to the Supreme Court's power to invalidate laws and executive actions that are found to be unconstitutional, a pivotal component of the checks and balances system in the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
Judicial Review:
Judicial review is a fundamental principle in the United States legal system that allows the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative enactments and executive actions. Established in the landmark case Marbury v. Madison in 1803, this power enables the courts to ensure that neither the legislative nor the executive branches exceed their constitutional authority.
Although not explicitly stated in the Constitution itself, the doctrine of judicial review has become a cornerstone of American constitutional law and represents a critical check on governmental power. Over the course of history, the Supreme Court has used its power of judicial review sparingly, invalidating a relatively small number of federal and state legislations. Through this mechanism, the judiciary maintains the ability to interpret the Constitution and uphold the rule of law by nullifying any laws that conflict with constitutional provisions.