Which statement best explains the power of judicial review held by the Supreme Court?
A) the review of acts of Congress to make sure they are constitutional
B) the review of congressional or presidential acts to make sure they are constitutional
C) the review of executive orders issues by the president to make sure they are constitutional
D) the review of all laws within the United States at any level to make sure they are constitutional
B) the review of congressional or presidential acts to make sure they are constitutional
B) the review of congressional or presidential acts to make sure they are constitutional
The correct answer is B) the review of congressional or presidential acts to make sure they are constitutional.
The power of judicial review held by the Supreme Court refers to the authority of the court to review and evaluate the constitutionality of laws, acts, or actions taken by the legislative and executive branches of government.
To arrive at this answer, it is important to understand the concept and origin of judicial review. Judicial review is not explicitly stated in the United States Constitution but was established by the Supreme Court in the landmark case Marbury v. Madison (1803). In this case, Chief Justice John Marshall asserted the court's authority to determine the constitutionality of laws passed by Congress.
Option A, "the review of acts of Congress to make sure they are constitutional," is not entirely accurate because the Supreme Court can also review presidential acts.
Option C, "the review of executive orders issued by the president to make sure they are constitutional," focuses solely on the executive branch and does not encompass congressional acts.
Option D, "the review of all laws within the United States at any level to make sure they are constitutional," is too broad and implies that the Supreme Court reviews laws at all levels, including state laws, which is not entirely accurate. The Supreme Court has the power to review federal laws and actions, but its jurisdiction over state laws is more limited.
Therefore, option B, "the review of congressional or presidential acts to make sure they are constitutional," best explains the power of judicial review held by the Supreme Court.