Why was the Court’s decision in Marbury v. Madison especially important? A It established the federal court system in the United States and gave the
Supreme Court exclusive jurisdiction over certain cases.
B It affirmed the Supreme Court’s authority to examine executive or
legislative acts and to invalidate any that contradict constitutional
principles.
C It expanded the constitutional rights of individuals accused of crimes.
D It overturned earlier decisions that validated racial segregation and
declared invalid the “separate but equal” doctrine.