separation of powers

Judicial review is the power of the courts to determine whether a law or government activity is constitutional or unconstitutional.

The Constitution is the supreme law of the United States.  If a law (or government action) violates the Constitution, a court may rule that the law is unconstitutional – – meaning that the law or action is invalid. For example, if Congress enacts a law, a person affected by the law may challenge the constitutionality…

To ratify means to approve something.  For example, a country’s legislature may have to ratify a treaty even after a representative of the country signs the treaty.  Until the treaty is ratified, it may not have legal effect.