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What landmark decision is associated with the rule of judicial review?

  1. Canton v. Harris

  2. Marbury v. Madison

  3. South Dakota v. Opperman

  4. Pennsylvania v. Mimms

The correct answer is: Marbury v. Madison

The landmark decision associated with the rule of judicial review is Marbury v. Madison. This 1803 Supreme Court case established the principle that the Supreme Court has the authority to review acts of Congress and determine whether they are unconstitutional. This decision solidified the role of the judiciary as a co-equal branch of government and underscored the importance of checks and balances within the U.S. system. Judicial review allows the courts to ensure that no law or executive action can supersede or contradict the Constitution. Without this precedent, the judiciary would lack the power to void laws that violate constitutional principles, severely undermining the rule of law. Marbury v. Madison is thus foundational for the functioning of the U.S. legal and political system, making it a crucial reference point in discussions about judicial authority and constitutional interpretation.