What is the significance of Marbury v. Madison?

The significance of Marbury v. Madison lies in its establishment of the principle of judicial review, which allows the Supreme Court to invalidate laws and executive actions that it finds to be in conflict with the Constitution. This landmark case, decided in 1803, set a precedent that empowered the judiciary to check the other branches of government, thus ensuring a balance of power within the federal system.

Judicial review has had profound implications for American governance, shaping the way laws are interpreted and protecting individual rights against potential governmental overreach. By asserting the Court's authority to review and nullify legislative and executive acts, Marbury v. Madison became a foundational decision in American constitutional law, reinforcing the role of the judiciary as a co-equal branch of government.

The other options do not capture the essential impact of this case. The principle of constitutional amendments pertains to the process of changing the Constitution itself, while the case did not directly address presidential powers. Additionally, Marbury v. Madison has no relevance to the Electoral College, which is a separate component of the electoral process for presidential elections.