What does the process of judicial review allow?

Judicial review is a fundamental principle in the American legal system that empowers the Supreme Court to examine the constitutionality of legislative acts and executive actions. When the Supreme Court engages in judicial review, it can determine whether a law passed by Congress or a state legislature aligns with the Constitution. If the Court finds that a law contradicts the Constitution, it has the authority to declare that law unconstitutional, thereby nullifying its effect.

This process serves as a critical check on the legislative and executive branches of government, ensuring that neither can exceed its constitutional authority. Judicial review is not about enabling Congress to create laws, allowing the President to veto them, or permitting states to alter the Constitution; instead, it focuses specifically on upholding the Constitution as the supreme law of the land. By maintaining this oversight, judicial review plays a vital role in preserving the rule of law and protecting individual rights.