Which term is used for the process of reviewing laws to determine their constitutionality?

Prepare for the Federal Government 2305 Exam with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Get exam ready now!

The process of reviewing laws to determine their constitutionality is referred to as judicial review. This principle allows the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, to assess whether a law or governmental action aligns with the Constitution of the United States. Judicial review acts as a critical check on the legislative and executive branches, ensuring that they do not exceed their constitutional powers or infringe upon individual rights.

Established formally in the landmark case Marbury v. Madison in 1803, judicial review has become a cornerstone of the American legal system. It empowers courts to invalidate laws or executive actions that they find unconstitutional, thereby maintaining the rule of law and protecting civil liberties.

The other choices do not align with the process of assessing a law's constitutionality. For instance, administrative law pertains to the regulations created by administrative agencies, legislative oversight involves the legislative branch's review of the operations and policies of the executive branch, and constitutional amendments refer to the formal changes made to the Constitution itself rather than the review of existing laws. Each of these terms represents distinct functions within the government's structure, but they do not encompass the judicial branch's role in evaluating the constitutionality of laws.

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