Florida Civic Literacy Practice Exam

What is an example of judicial review?

1. The ability of Congress to amend laws.

2. The power of the Supreme Court to find laws unconstitutional.

3. The President's ability to veto legislation.

4. The authority of states to enforce local laws.

The correct answer is: The power of the Supreme Court to find laws unconstitutional.

Judicial review is the power of the judicial branch, specifically the Supreme Court, to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative acts and executive actions. When the Court finds that a law passed by Congress or an action taken by the President conflicts with the Constitution, it has the authority to declare that law or action unconstitutional and, therefore, unenforceable. This process ensures that all branches of government operate within the framework established by the Constitution and protects individual rights from possible government overreach. The ability of the Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution and establish what is permissible under it is a fundamental aspect of the checks and balances system, maintaining equilibrium among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. In contrast, other options pertain to different powers held by the branches of government: the ability of Congress to amend laws relates to the legislative process, the President's veto is an executive check on legislative power, and state authority to enforce local laws deals with state governance rather than the judicial branch's interpretive role.