Understanding Judicial Review and Marbury v. Madison

The video explains the concept of judicial review, a power of the U.S. Supreme Court to determine the constitutionality of laws. This power was established in the landmark case Marbury v. Madison in 1803. The case arose from the 1800 presidential election when John Adams appointed judges at the end of his term, but some appointments were not delivered before Thomas Jefferson took office. William Marbury, one of the appointees, sued for his commission. The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice John Marshall, ruled that the Judiciary Act was unconstitutional, establishing the principle of judicial review. This decision reinforced the system of checks and balances in the U.S. government.

What is the primary function of the Supreme Court in relation to laws?

• To create new laws

• To enforce laws

• To amend the Constitution

• To determine if laws violate the Constitution

Which landmark case established the Supreme Court's power of judicial review?

• Plessy v. Ferguson

• Brown v. Board of Education

• Roe v. Wade

• Marbury v. Madison

Who was the sitting President during the 1800 election?

• George Washington

• John Adams

• Thomas Jefferson

• James Madison

What was the purpose of the Judiciary Act passed by John Adams?

• To abolish the Supreme Court

• To create a new constitution

• To reduce the number of judges

• To appoint new judges from his political party

Why did William Marbury petition the Supreme Court?

• He was denied a judicial appointment

• He disagreed with the Judiciary Act

• He wanted to change the Constitution

• He wanted to become President

What was Charles Lee's argument regarding Marbury's appointment?

• It was valid because it was completed and sealed

• It was a mistake

• It was unconstitutional

• It was invalid because it was not delivered

What was James Madison's argument against Marbury's appointment?

• It was a mistake

• It was invalid because it was not delivered before Adams left office

• It was unconstitutional

• It was valid because it was completed

Who was the Chief Justice during the Marbury v. Madison case?

• John Marshall

• James Madison

• John Adams

• Thomas Jefferson

What was the outcome of the Marbury v. Madison case?

• The Supreme Court established judicial review

• The Judiciary Act was upheld

• The Constitution was amended

• Marbury received his appointment

How does the power of judicial review contribute to the system of checks and balances?

• By enabling the Supreme Court to amend the Constitution

• By allowing the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional

• By enabling the Supreme Court to enforce laws

• By allowing the Supreme Court to create laws