History
The Role of Constitutional Courts in Checking Executive Power
Quick fact
The U.S. Supreme Court established this power in Marbury v. Madison (1803), but it has never ordered a president to act—it relies on the executive's own obedience, which usually works because violating a court order is politically costly.
Why this is interesting
You've likely heard that a president or prime minister must act within the law. But who gets to decide if they've stepped over the line, and what makes that decision stick?