Question

How did Marbury v. Madison strengthen the Federal judiciary?

1. It supported the Federal judiciary in relinquishing some power of the Supreme Court to state courts.
2. It allowed the Federal judiciary to declare laws unconstitutional.
3. It allowed the Federal judiciary to use new ways to elect judges.
4. It took away the principle of Judcial Review.

Answer 1

The correct answer is 2. It allowed the federal judiciary to declare laws unconstitutional.

The Marbury vs. Madison case greatly increased the power of the federal judiciary (aka Supreme Court). In this case, the Supreme Court gave itself the power of judicial review. This concept allows the Supreme Court to interpret whether laws are constitutional or unconstitutional. This power given to the Supreme Court helps in the system of checks and balances we have in the federal government, as it allows the court to check the law making ability of the President and Congress.

Answer 2

#2
Marbury v. Madison strengthened the power of Judicial Review by declaring that the Judiciary Act of 1789 was unconstitutional.