What is a primary function of judicial review?

What is a primary function of judicial review?

• A. To declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional
• B. To enforce legislative power
• C. To manage administrative agencies
• D. To preserve executive power

Answer: (A)

Judicial review exists to ensure that laws and executive actions conform to the constitution, giving courts the power to strike down statutes or actions that are unconstitutional. This creates a check and balance among the branches and protects constitutional rights, preserving the framework within which government operates. Agency actions can be reviewed for legality, but the core purpose is constitutional oversight, not managing agencies. It also functions as a check on the executive by limiting its power, rather than preserving it. It does not serve to enforce legislative power—that power lies with the legislature—so the best answer is that the primary function is to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.

Judicial review exists to ensure that laws and executive actions conform to the constitution, giving courts the power to strike down statutes or actions that are unconstitutional. This creates a check and balance among the branches and protects constitutional rights, preserving the framework within which government operates. Agency actions can be reviewed for legality, but the core purpose is constitutional oversight, not managing agencies. It also functions as a check on the executive by limiting its power, rather than preserving it. It does not serve to enforce legislative power—that power lies with the legislature—so the best answer is that the primary function is to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.