What is the significance of the power of judicial review as stated in Marbury v. Madison?

The significance of the power of judicial review as established in Marbury v. Madison lies in its role in defining the boundaries of executive and judicial powers. Judicial review empowers the Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution and to overrule laws and executive actions that it finds to violate constitutional principles. This decision marked a foundational moment in American constitutional law, establishing the judiciary as an independent check on the other branches of government, ensuring that no action taken by the executive or legislative branches can supersede the Constitution.

By affirming that it is the duty of the judiciary to interpret the law, the ruling set a precedent for how conflicts between different branches of government are resolved, ensuring that the law remains the supreme authority. The establishment of this power fundamentally altered the power dynamics within the U.S. government, reinforcing the principle of checks and balances that is essential to the functioning of a democratic system.