What was the significance of Marbury v. Madison in the context of U.S. government?

The significance of Marbury v. Madison lies in its establishment of the principle of judicial review, which allows the Supreme Court to declare laws and actions of Congress and the executive branch unconstitutional. This landmark decision, decided in 1803, solidified the judiciary's role as a co-equal branch of government that can check the powers of the other branches.

By asserting that it is the duty of the judiciary to explain what the law is, the ruling provided a crucial framework for the judicial system in the United States. This precedent ensures that the Constitution remains the supreme law of the land, maintaining a balance of power among the branches of government and reinforcing the role of the Supreme Court in interpreting the Constitution. Thus, its significance cannot be overstated as it laid the foundation for the modern exercise of judicial power and the protection of civil liberties.