What is the significance of judicial review in the American government?

Judicial review holds significant importance in the American government as it grants the Supreme Court the authority to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative acts and executive actions. This process is vital for maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that no law or government action can supersede the principles laid out in the Constitution. When the Supreme Court determines that a law is unconstitutional, it effectively invalidates that law, reinforcing the balance of power among the branches of government and protecting individual rights.

This authority stems from the landmark case Marbury v. Madison (1803), which established the precedent for judicial review. By having the power to declare laws unconstitutional, the Supreme Court acts as a crucial check on the legislative and executive branches, preventing abuses of power and upholding the Constitution as the nation's supreme law. Thus, this mechanism is fundamental to the American system of checks and balances, ensuring that all laws and actions of the government adhere to constitutional standards.