Why is Marbury v. Madison important in the American political system?

The landmark case of Marbury v. Madison (1803) is important because it established the principle of judicial review within the American political system. Essentially, the Supreme Court, in its ruling, arrogated to itself the right to strike down legislation deemed to be unconstitutional.

Prior to the Supreme Court's ruling there was no mechanism available by which laws could be voided on constitutional grounds. As such, the Supreme Court previously had a relatively minor role within...

The landmark case of Marbury v. Madison (1803) is important because it established the principle of judicial review within the American political system. Essentially, the Supreme Court, in its ruling, arrogated to itself the right to strike down legislation deemed to be unconstitutional.

Prior to the Supreme Court's ruling there was no mechanism available by which laws could be voided on constitutional grounds. As such, the Supreme Court previously had a relatively minor role within the American political system. That changed with Marbury v. Madison. From then on, the Supreme Court, in addition to its strictly judicial function, would take on a more overtly political role. Then as now, this was an immensely controversial development. It seemed that unelected judges were exceeding the bounds of their authority in making decisions that had traditionally been the exclusive preserve of the states or the U.S. Congress.