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Citizenship · System of Government

What is the role of the Supreme Court?

Correct answer

To interpret the Constitution and laws — to decide if a law or government action is constitutional; its decisions set binding precedent for all lower courts in the United States

  1. A To pass laws
  2. B To interpret the Constitution and laws — to decide if a law or government action is constitutional; its decisions set binding precedent for all lower courts in the United States
  3. C To command the military
  4. D To approve the federal budget

Why this is the answer

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. Its primary role is CONSTITUTIONAL INTERPRETATION — deciding whether laws and government actions comply with the Constitution. This is JUDICIAL REVIEW, established by Marbury v. Madison (1803). Nine Justices sit on the Supreme Court: one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. They are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. They serve for LIFE (or until they resign or are removed). USCIS Question 39: 'What does the judicial branch do?' — Answer: reviews laws, explains laws, resolves disputes, decides if a law goes against the Constitution.
Source: USCIS Civics Questions 38, 39 — Judicial Branch

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