What is meant by a law being "unconstitutional"?

A law being "unconstitutional" refers to it being determined as contrary to the provisions and principles set forth in the Constitution. This determination can originate from judicial review, which is the process by which courts interpret the Constitution and nullify laws that violate its mandates. When a law is ruled unconstitutional, it effectively cannot be enforced, as it undermines the foundational legal document that governs the rights and responsibilities of individuals and the government.

The concept of unconstitutionality involves analyzing whether a law aligns with constitutional protections and restrictions, such as individual rights or the structure of government operations. This makes the understanding of constitutional law essential for ensuring that legislation adheres to the higher authority of the Constitution.

In contrast, poorly written laws (the first choice) might lead to inefficiency or misinterpretation but do not necessarily violate constitutional principles. Similarly, legislation lacking public support (the second choice) does not affect its constitutional validity; a law can be enacted without overwhelming public approval. Lastly, a law that is not enforced (the fourth choice) does not imply it is unconstitutional; enforcement issues can arise from political or practical considerations unrelated to the law’s constitutionality.