ABCTE United States History Practice Exam 2026 - Free History Practice Questions and Study Guide

The landmark case that established the principle of judicial review is Marbury v. Madison. This 1803 Supreme Court case, presided over by Chief Justice John Marshall, set a crucial precedent by asserting that the Supreme Court has the authority to review acts of Congress and determine their constitutionality. This principle empowers the judiciary to nullify laws that are found to be in conflict with the Constitution, thereby reinforcing the system of checks and balances that is foundational to the American government.

The case originated from a dispute regarding Marbury's appointment as a justice of the peace and highlighted the tension between the executive and judicial branches. The ruling not only resolved that specific conflict but also firmly established the judiciary's role as the arbiter of constitutional interpretation. This marked a significant shift in the balance of power, enabling the courts to play a pivotal role in American democracy by ensuring that no law or governmental action could supersede the Constitution.