What is the term for the power of the courts to review decisions of other government branches?

Study for the VirtualSC Honors Government Exam. Practice with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering hints and explanations.

The correct term for the power of the courts to review decisions of other government branches is judicial review. This concept is fundamental to the checks and balances inherent in the U.S. government system, as it allows the judiciary to interpret laws and assess whether actions taken by the legislative and executive branches comply with the Constitution. Judicial review enables courts to invalidate laws and executive actions that they find unconstitutional, thus preserving the rule of law and protecting individual rights. The landmark case of Marbury v. Madison in 1803 established this principle, affirming the judiciary's role in maintaining the supremacy of the Constitution.

Other terms in the list do not accurately reflect this judicial power. Congressional review would imply a power related to the legislative branch, while presidential review suggests a control or evaluation mechanism associated with the executive branch. Precedent review is not a recognized term in governmental power dynamics, as precedent refers to prior judicial decisions influencing future cases rather than a review of the powers of branches.

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