Judicial review is a mechanism for checking __________.

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks what judicial review is used to check. It's about the powers of the judiciary in a democracy.

Step 2: Explain the concept Judicial review is the power of the courts (especially the Supreme Court or High Courts) to examine actions of the executive and laws made by the legislature. If these are found to be unconstitutional, illegal, or beyond the powers granted by the constitution, the courts can declare them null and void.

In Nigeria, Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution gives the courts this power. It is a key part of the separation of powers and checks and balances, since the judiciary limits the other two arms of government.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Arbitrary use of power: Correct. Judicial review stops the executive and legislature from acting outside the law or abusing their authority.
• B. Irresponsible journalism: This is handled by press councils and libel/defamation laws, not by judicial review.
• C. Electoral malpractices: These are handled by electoral tribunals and electoral bodies like INEC. This is not the purpose of judicial review.
• D. Military adventures: Coups and military interventions are not checked by judicial review. Courts may later rule on their legality, but that is not the mechanism's purpose.

Step 4: Answer Judicial review is a mechanism for checking the arbitrary use of power, which is Option A.

Tip: Link "judicial review" with the keywords constitutionality, checks and balances, and abuse of power. If an option talks about government overreach or unconstitutional acts, it is usually the answer.