The Federalist Papers Lesson Plan

What exactly is the power of judicial review? Can you think of a few occasions where it has proven especially important?

Students will probably remember from their earlier classes that the power of judicial review gives federal courts the ability to screen any presidential act or piece of legislature for its constitutionality. Some students will also recall that the power of judicial review was not enshrined in the Constitution, but institutionalized by the Supreme Court Ruling Marbury v. Madison. The teacher should encourage students to think of recent scenarios where the Supreme Court ruled on the constitutionality of a particular governmental action, such as President...