Which case established the U.S. Supreme Court's authority to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional?

The case that established the U.S. Supreme Court's authority to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional is Marbury v. Madison (1803). This landmark decision set a significant precedent in U.S. law by affirming the principle of judicial review, which allows the Court to invalidate laws and executive actions that it finds to be in conflict with the Constitution.

In Marbury v. Madison, Chief Justice John Marshall articulated the role of the judiciary as a co-equal branch of government, empowered to review the constitutionality of legislative acts. The ruling arose from a dispute over the midnight appointments made by outgoing President John Adams, which led to questions about the power of the Supreme Court.

The importance of this case lies in its establishment of the judiciary as a check on the legislative and executive branches, thus ensuring that no law or action can contravene the Constitution. This principle has had a profound impact on the balance of power within the American government and has been referenced in numerous subsequent decisions involving constitutional interpretation.

Other choices relate to important aspects of U.S. governance but do not specifically address the establishment of judicial review. Article III of the U.S. Constitution outlines the structure and powers of the judiciary but does not itself confer the authority to declare laws unconstitutional.