What does the term "judicial review" refer to?

What does the term "judicial review" refer to?

• A. The authority to enforce laws
• B. The ability to amend the Constitution
• C. The power to declare laws unconstitutional
• D. The process of appointing judges

Answer: (C)

Judicial review refers to the power of the courts to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions. It allows the judiciary to ensure that laws and government decisions comply with the Constitution. When a law is found to be inconsistent with the Constitution, the court has the authority to declare that law unconstitutional, rendering it void and unenforceable. This principle is a key aspect of the system of checks and balances that helps maintain the rule of law and protect individual rights within the United States. The other choices do not accurately capture the meaning of judicial review. The authority to enforce laws pertains to the executive branch, while amending the Constitution involves a different process defined in Article V of the Constitution. Appointing judges relates to the selection process within the judiciary but does not encompass the function of reviewing laws for their constitutionality. Therefore, the correct choice highlights the judiciary's critical role in interpreting the law and safeguarding the Constitution.

Judicial review refers to the power of the courts to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions. It allows the judiciary to ensure that laws and government decisions comply with the Constitution. When a law is found to be inconsistent with the Constitution, the court has the authority to declare that law unconstitutional, rendering it void and unenforceable. This principle is a key aspect of the system of checks and balances that helps maintain the rule of law and protect individual rights within the United States.

The other choices do not accurately capture the meaning of judicial review. The authority to enforce laws pertains to the executive branch, while amending the Constitution involves a different process defined in Article V of the Constitution. Appointing judges relates to the selection process within the judiciary but does not encompass the function of reviewing laws for their constitutionality. Therefore, the correct choice highlights the judiciary's critical role in interpreting the law and safeguarding the Constitution.