How can a law be deemed unconstitutional?

• A. If it is opposed by the President
• B. If it is passed without congressional approval
• C. If it is ruled against by the Supreme Court
• D. If it is not funded by the federal budget

Answer: (C)

A law can be deemed unconstitutional when it is ruled against by the Supreme Court, as this process involves judicial review, which is the power of the court to assess whether a law aligns with the Constitution. The landmark case of Marbury v. Madison established this principle, asserting that it is the duty of the judicial system to ensure that no law contravenes the Constitution. When the Supreme Court finds that a law violates constitutional principles, they can invalidate it, thus formally declaring it unconstitutional.

This process is a fundamental aspect of the system of checks and balances, where the judiciary acts as a check on the legislative and executive branches to uphold constitutional governance. Other factors, such as opposition from the President, issues with congressional approval, or funding concerns, do not inherently lead to a law being unconstitutional. They may relate to the political or practical viability of a law, but only a Supreme Court ruling can classify it as unconstitutional in a legal context.