You may be asking, “Why is Marbury v. Madison an important case?” If so, you are not alone. The case demonstrates why this court decision was so significant in our history. This case was the first time a court overturned a law passed by Congress based on the Constitution. It established the principle of judicial review, which allows courts to invalidate laws that violate the constitution.
Because the case established the principle of “judicial review,” the supreme court has the power to rule on the constitutionality of any act passed by congress. That power has helped our government become stronger and more balanced. However, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee that any particular act will be upheld in court. Nonetheless, you can test your understanding of the case by answering the quizlet below. The quizlet focuses on the impact of Marbury v. Madison on our constitutional rights.