Who can decide if a law is unconstitutional?

Who can decide if a law is unconstitutional?

• A. The President
• B. Congress
• C. The Supreme Court
• D. State Courts

Answer: (C)

The Supreme Court has the authority to determine whether a law is unconstitutional through the process of judicial review. This principle was established in the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison in 1803, where the Court asserted its power to interpret the Constitution and invalidate laws or executive actions that conflict with it. This function serves as a crucial check and balance within the federal government, ensuring that no law surpasses the bounds set by the Constitution. While other branches of government, such as the President and Congress, play significant roles in the legislative process, they do not possess the power to declare laws unconstitutional. State courts also have the ability to rule on the constitutionality of state laws within their jurisdiction, but the final arbiter in constitutional matters at the national level is the Supreme Court. This structure reinforces the Supreme Court's essential role in protecting individual rights and upholding the rule of law in the United States.

The Supreme Court has the authority to determine whether a law is unconstitutional through the process of judicial review. This principle was established in the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison in 1803, where the Court asserted its power to interpret the Constitution and invalidate laws or executive actions that conflict with it. This function serves as a crucial check and balance within the federal government, ensuring that no law surpasses the bounds set by the Constitution.

While other branches of government, such as the President and Congress, play significant roles in the legislative process, they do not possess the power to declare laws unconstitutional. State courts also have the ability to rule on the constitutionality of state laws within their jurisdiction, but the final arbiter in constitutional matters at the national level is the Supreme Court. This structure reinforces the Supreme Court's essential role in protecting individual rights and upholding the rule of law in the United States.