What constitutional principle is primarily associated with the Marbury v. Madison case?

The main constitutional principle associated with the Marbury v. Madison case is judicial review. This pivotal Supreme Court case, decided in 1803, established the authority of the judiciary to review and invalidate laws and actions that are contrary to the Constitution. It was the first instance in which the Supreme Court struck down a law as unconstitutional, fundamentally empowering the judiciary as a co-equal branch of government alongside the executive and legislative branches.

Judicial review allows the Supreme Court and lower courts to interpret the Constitution and ensure that laws adhere to constitutional principles. This principle serves as a critical component of the American legal system, safeguarding against legislative or executive actions that may infringe on constitutionally protected rights or exceed the powers granted to these branches.

While the concepts of federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances are integral to the U.S. government structure, they do not encapsulate the core outcome of Marbury v. Madison as directly as judicial review does. The case definitively clarified and confirmed the judiciary's crucial role in maintaining the supremacy of the Constitution, marking a foundational moment in the development of American law and government.