Popularity makes no law invulnerable to invalidation…
“Popularity makes no law invulnerable to invalidation. Americans accept judicial supervision of their democracy - judicial review of popular but possibly unconstitutional statutes - because they know that if the Constitution is truly to constitute the nation, it must trump some majority preferences.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Popularity does not protect laws from being invalid; judicial review ensures constitutional limits over majority rule.
In simple terms: Popular laws can be unconstitutional; courts check them.
Respect constitutional checks over popular will.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- legislative process
- court decisions
- civic education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When should courts intervene?
- How to balance majority will with rights?
Judicial review can be politicized, limiting its effectiveness.