What was the main outcome of the Marbury v. Madison case?

The Marbury v. Madison case, decided in 1803, is a landmark Supreme Court decision primarily for establishing the principle of judicial review. This principle allows the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, to determine the constitutionality of acts of Congress and state legislatures. By asserting this power, the Court gained a crucial role in the U.S. government system, ensuring that no law or executive action could stand if it contradicted the Constitution. This case significantly strengthened the judiciary's role as a check on legislative and executive powers, underscoring the balance of power crucial to the Constitution's function.

The other outcomes listed do not relate to this case's historical significance. Free speech rights were developed through other Supreme Court rulings, women's voting rights were not attained until the 19th Amendment in 1920, and the ability for states to ignore federal laws has been addressed in different contexts concerning state sovereignty and federal authority. Thus, the affirmation of judicial review in Marbury v. Madison remains a foundational aspect of American constitutional law.