A) the U.S. President nominating a federal judge INCORRECT This option describes the President's appointment power, which is an executive action, not judicial review. The President nominates judges, but this is a check by the executive on the judiciary, not a review of constitutionality. Judicial review specifically involves the courts evaluating the constitutionality of laws or executive actions, not the appointment process.
B) the U.S. President pardoning a convicted criminal INCORRECT This option refers to the President's pardon power, which is an executive clemency power, not judicial review. Pardons are a check by the executive on the judiciary, allowing the President to forgive federal crimes. Judicial review, on the other hand, is a power of the courts to invalidate unconstitutional laws or actions, not to grant clemency.
C) the U.S. Supreme Court declaring a law unconstitutional CORRECT This is the classic example of judicial review. When the Supreme Court declares a law unconstitutional, it is exercising its power to interpret the Constitution and strike down laws that violate it. This power was established in Marbury v. Madison (1803) and is a key check on the legislative branch. It ensures that all laws comply with the Constitution, protecting fundamental rights and the rule of law.
D) the U.S. House of Representatives impeaching a public official INCORRECT This option describes the impeachment power of the House, which is a legislative check on the executive and judicial branches. Impeachment is a political process, not a judicial review. It involves charging officials with misconduct, but it does not involve interpreting the Constitution to invalidate laws. Judicial review is specifically the courts' power to assess constitutionality, not to remove officials from office.
