Comparative Analysis of Judicial Review and Presidential Authority

In the landmark Supreme Court cases of Marbury v. Madison

(1803) and United States v. Nixon (1974), the justices addressed themes of authority and the balance of power within the U.S. government. In Marbury, the Court established the principle of judicial review, allowing it to invalidate laws that it found to contravene the Constitution. Conversely, in Nixon, the Court determined the limits of presidential power in the context of executive privilege, ultimately ruling that the president was not above the law.

Analyze the reasoning and decisions of both cases, highlighting how each reflects the relationship between the different branches of government and the implications of their rulings on the concept of checks and balances. Additionally, consider the historical context in which these decisions were made and how they established precedents for future cases.