Comparison of Judicial Review and Federalism in Landmark SCOTUS Cases

In the landmark Supreme Court case of Marbury v. Madison (1803), the Court established the principle of judicial review, which allows the judiciary to declare legislative and executive actions unconstitutional. This principle has had a lasting impact on the balance of power among the branches of government.

In contrast, the case of United States v. Lopez (1995) addressed the limits of Congress's power under the Commerce Clause. The Supreme Court ruled that the Gun-Free School Zones Act was unconstitutional, asserting that carrying a firearm in a school zone did not substantially affect interstate commerce.

Using these two cases, compare how the decisions reflect the principles of federalism and the separation of powers outlined in the U.S. Constitution. Be sure to include specific references to the cases and their implications for the balance of power between the branches of government and between the federal government and the states.