What is judicial review?

• A. The power of courts to interpret laws and determine their constitutionality.
• B. The process of appointing federal judges.
• C. The right to a trial by jury.
• D. The ability to veto laws enacted by Congress.

Answer: (A)

Judicial review is the authority of courts to interpret laws and determine their constitutionality. This power acts as a check on both the legislative and executive branches, allowing the judiciary to strike down laws or government actions that violate the Constitution. It was established in U.S. history by the case Marbury v. Madison, which affirmed that courts must interpret the Constitution and invalidate laws or actions that conflict with it. This is why it is the best choice. The other options describe different functions: appointing federal judges is handled by the President and Senate, the right to a trial by jury is a procedural right in certain cases, and vetoing laws is an executive power, not a judicial one.