What is primarily examined during the judicial review process?

The judicial review process primarily examines the constitutionality of laws or government actions. This fundamental principle empowers the judiciary to interpret the Constitution and ensure that legislative and executive actions conform to constitutional standards. Judicial review serves as a check and balance within the government, allowing courts to invalidate laws and actions that they find violate constitutional provisions.

This process is crucial for protecting individual rights and maintaining the rule of law, as it provides a way for the judiciary to act as a guardian against legislative or executive overreach. The concept was notably established in the landmark case Marbury v. Madison, which solidified the role of the Supreme Court in reviewing and potentially overturning governmental decisions that do not align with the Constitution.

In the context of the other choices, while examining decisions made by Congress, the legality of executive orders, and the procedures of state elections are all important aspects of governance, they are more specific instances or areas that may be subject to judicial review rather than the overarching purpose of the process itself. Judicial review fundamentally rests on constitutional examination, making it essential for upholding democratic principles and protecting civil liberties.