Lesson 25 of 84 · The Constitution
⭐ 30 XP🏛️ Civic SquareJudicial Review: Marbury v. Madison
Judicial review is the power of courts to assess the constitutionality of legislative acts and executive actions.
🎯 Your mission
Spot the fair part. Spot the unfair part.
⚡ The twist
A 'fair rule' for one group can be unfair for another.
Mind = Blown
🤯 Some laws on the books are over 800 years old and still apply.
Then & Now
🏛️ The rule you'll meet today is still on the books — sort of.
Judicial review is the power of courts to assess the constitutionality of legislative acts and executive actions. This principle was established in the landmark Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison in 1803. In this case, Chief Justice John Marshall ruled that the Supreme Court had the authority to strike down laws that were found to be in conflict with the Constitution. Judicial review is a fundamental aspect of the checks and balances system, ensuring that no branch of government exceeds its authority.
Key Facts
Judicial review was established in Marbury v. Madison.
The case was decided in 1803.
It allows courts to declare laws unconstitutional.
Timeline
The Louisiana Purchase doubles the size of the U.S.
The Civil War begins
The Civil War ends; slavery is abolished
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What principle was established by Marbury v. Madison?
Why this still matters
Your school has rules. Where do they come from? Who decides them?
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Make up a fair rule for your family. Pitch it.
For the dinner table
“What's one rule at our house you'd change if you could vote on it?”
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