What body has the power of judicial review?

• A. The President
• B. The Congress
• C. The Courts
• D. The States

Answer: (C)

Judicial review is the power to examine laws and government actions and decide if they are constitutional. This power belongs to the Courts. They interpret the Constitution and can strike down laws or executive actions that violate it. The President enforces laws and Congress makes them, but neither has the final say on constitutionality—the judiciary does. The Supreme Court is the primary interpreter, with state courts also able to review actions within their jurisdictions. The authority was established in the landmark case Marbury v. Madison, which affirmed that courts can declare unconstitutional acts. For that reason, the Courts is the correct answer.