“A constitution is, in fact,
and must be regarded by the judges, as a fundamental law. It therefore
belongs to them to ascertain its meaning, as well as the meaning
of any particular act proceeding from the legislative body. If
there should happen to be an irreconcilable variance between the
two, that which has the superior obligation and validity ought,
of course, to be preferred; or, in other words, the Constitution
ought to be preferred to the statute, the intention of the people
to the intention of their agents.”
—Alexander Hamilton, Federalist
No. 78
Marbury
v. Madison
Federalist
No. 78, by Alexander Hamilton
James
Madison, the Majority, and Judicial Supremacy
