What significant power was established by the case of Marbury v. Madison?

The case of Marbury v. Madison is foundational in establishing the principle of judicial review, which allows the Supreme Court to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative acts and executive actions. This power enables the judiciary to invalidate laws and actions that are inconsistent with the Constitution, ensuring that no law or government action can stand if it violates the supreme law of the land.

By asserting this authority, the Supreme Court can interpret the Constitution and check the powers of the other branches of government, thereby maintaining a system of checks and balances that is essential to the United States' governance framework. This decision laid the groundwork for the judiciary's critical role as a co-equal branch of government, ensuring that laws enacted by Congress align with constitutional principles. Hence, establishing judicial review over acts of Congress was a pivotal moment in American legal history.