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Multiple Choice

Which Supreme Court case produced a landmark ruling subjecting government agency decisions to judicial review and spurred environmental activism?

Judicial review of government agency decisions under administrative law is what this item emphasizes. In Citizens to Preserve Overton Park v. Volpe (1971), the Supreme Court held that federal agencies’ actions are subject to review under the Administrative Procedure Act. The decision required that agency actions be rational, based on relevant factors, and not arbitrary or capricious. The case involved plans to build a freeway through a public park, and the Court found the agency failed to adequately weigh environmental and recreational impacts or consider reasonable alternatives. By demanding that agencies give real consideration to environmental consequences and explain their reasoning, the ruling opened the door for public-interest groups to challenge government decisions in court, catalyzing environmental activism and the growth of environmental law. The other options cover issues like eminent domain, abortion rights, and school desegregation, which do not center on agency review or environmental advocacy.

Judicial review of government agency decisions under administrative law is what this item emphasizes. In Citizens to Preserve Overton Park v. Volpe (1971), the Supreme Court held that federal agencies’ actions are subject to review under the Administrative Procedure Act. The decision required that agency actions be rational, based on relevant factors, and not arbitrary or capricious. The case involved plans to build a freeway through a public park, and the Court found the agency failed to adequately weigh environmental and recreational impacts or consider reasonable alternatives. By demanding that agencies give real consideration to environmental consequences and explain their reasoning, the ruling opened the door for public-interest groups to challenge government decisions in court, catalyzing environmental activism and the growth of environmental law. The other options cover issues like eminent domain, abortion rights, and school desegregation, which do not center on agency review or environmental advocacy.