Which branch of government is primarily checked by judicial review?

Judicial review is the power held by courts to evaluate the actions of the legislative and executive branches and determine whether those actions are consistent with the Constitution. This process serves as a critical check on the powers of both branches of government.

The significance of judicial review lies in its ability to ensure that laws passed by the legislative branch and executive orders or actions taken by the executive branch comply with constitutional principles. When the judiciary exercises this power, it can invalidate laws or executive actions that are deemed unconstitutional, thus maintaining the balance of power among the branches.

In systems where judicial review is implemented, both the legislative and executive branches are subject to oversight from the judiciary, making them accountable for upholding constitutional limits. This mechanism is fundamental to preventing any branch from exceeding its authority and protecting citizens’ rights against potential government overreach. Therefore, the mantle of judicial review encompasses actions from both the legislative and executive branches, reinforcing the checks and balances inherent in the government structure.

Hence, the correct answer recognizes that judicial review checks the actions of both the legislative and executive branches, providing an essential safeguard for constitutional governance.