What does the term "judicial review" refer to?

Judicial review refers specifically to the power of the courts to examine and determine the constitutionality of legislative acts and executive actions. This function is a critical part of the checks and balances system within the government, ensuring that laws and policies align with the Constitution. Through judicial review, courts can invalidate laws or regulations that they find to be in conflict with the Constitution, thereby protecting individual rights and maintaining the rule of law.

This concept is rooted in landmark cases, such as Marbury v. Madison, which established the principle that it is the role of the judiciary to interpret the law and ensure that no branch of government exceeds its authority. The courts serve as a crucial safeguard against potential abuses of power by the legislative and executive branches, reaffirming the importance of constitutional governance.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of judicial review. For example, while the enforcement of executive actions involves court authority, judicial review specifically pertains to evaluating the constitutionality of those actions. The power of the legislature to review judicial decisions reflects a different dynamic and does not relate to judicial review itself, while systematically studying legal precedents is more about legal scholarship than the evaluative function of courts regarding constitutionality.