Answer:
Judicial review is the power of the U.S. Supreme Court to review and declare unconstitutional any act of the federal government or of a state government that conflicts with the U.S. Constitution. This power affects the U.S. government in several ways:
- It limits the power of the legislative and executive branches: Judicial review ensures that Congress and the President cannot exceed their constitutional authority, as any law or action that violates the Constitution can be struck down by the Supreme Court.
- It protects individual rights: The Supreme Court has used its power of judicial review to strike down laws that violate individual rights, such as segregation and discrimination against minorities, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
- It maintains the balance of power between the three branches of government: Judicial review allows the Supreme Court to act as a check on the power of the legislative and executive branches, ensuring that they do not overstep their authority.
- It ensures the rule of law: By upholding the Constitution and striking down unconstitutional laws, judicial review helps to maintain the rule of law in the United States.
Overall, the power of judicial review plays a crucial role in shaping the U.S. government and ensuring that it operates within the bounds of the Constitution.