Question

Certainly all those who have framed written constitutions contemplate them as forming the fundamental and paramount law of the nation, and consequently, the theory of every such government must be, that an act of the legislature, repugnant to the constitution, is void.1
Which judicial principle does this passage from the Marbury v. Madison Supreme Court ruling illustrate?
A The Constitution should be broadly interpreted by the Supreme Court.
B. Laws passed by Congress should be replaced if they harm U.S. citizens.
C. A law that violates the Constitution must be overturned.
D. The Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction over all cases.

Answer 1

C. A law that violates the Constitution must be overturned.

The narrator begins the paragraph by stating the purpose of any written constitution: to be the fundamental and paramount law of the nation, therefore, any act of the legislature that is contrary to the Constitution must be overturned.

In fact, the Marbury v. Madison case is best remembered for being the first case in American history where the Supreme Court overturned an act of the Congress for the sole reason of being unconstitutional.

Answer 2

The answer is C, this is why the Supreme Court hears cases, to determine their constitutionality.