The Supreme Court of the United States has a very important job. It helps balance the power between state governments and the federal government. One of the key ways it does this is through something called judicial review. This means the Court can look at laws and decide if they follow the Constitution or not. If a law doesn’t fit with the Constitution, the Court can throw it out.

Why Judicial Review Matters

• Starting Point: Marbury v. Madison (1803): This famous case set the rule for judicial review. It showed that the Supreme Court has the power to cancel any law—state or federal—if it goes against the Constitution.
• Impact on State Laws: Each year, the Supreme Court looks at about 70 to 80 cases. Many of these cases deal with disputes between state laws and federal rules.

Important Facts

• Research shows that from 2000 to 2020, around 30% of the Supreme Court's cases dealt with federal questions. This highlights the ongoing battle between state and federal power.
• In cases like Gonzales v. Raich (2005), the Court confirmed that federal law can override state law, especially in areas like trade between states. This can limit what states can do.

Finding Balance

• State Rights vs. Federal Authority: The Court often steps in to balance the rights of states with the need for consistent federal laws. This is especially true in sensitive areas like civil rights, environmental protection, and healthcare.
• Major Court Decisions: One important case is Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), which allowed same-sex marriage all over the country. This decision limited how states could define marriage. Another case, Shelby County v. Holder (2013), reduced how much the federal government could oversee state voting laws.

Overall, through its rulings, the Supreme Court tries to keep a careful balance. It upholds the Constitution as the highest law while also respecting the rights of states to govern themselves.