What is the significance of Marbury v. Madison (1803)?

The significance of Marbury v. Madison (1803) lies in its establishment of the principle of judicial review, a foundational aspect of the American legal system. This landmark case confirmed the Supreme Court's authority to review laws and determine their constitutionality, thus empowering the judiciary to invalidate laws that it finds in conflict with the Constitution.

In the case, Chief Justice John Marshall articulated that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land and that it is the duty of the judiciary to ensure that no law contradicts this supreme document. This established a critical check and balance among the branches of government, ensuring that legislative and executive actions remain within the framework of the Constitution.

Other choices, while tempting, do not accurately capture the core significance of this case. For instance, the right to free speech is enshrined in the First Amendment and is not directly related to the Marbury case. Additionally, the idea of judicial review was not struck down but rather affirmed through this ruling. Lastly, while Marbury v. Madison touches on aspects of governmental power dynamics, it does not specifically define presidential powers. Instead, it focuses on the role of the judiciary in upholding constitutional governance.