Which statement correctly describes the Judicial branch's role?

Which statement correctly describes the Judicial branch's role?

• A. Interprets laws; can declare laws unconstitutional; final authority on constitutional interpretation
• B. Enforces laws and negotiates treaties with foreign nations
• C. Creates laws and budgets
• D. Appoints federal judges

Answer: (A)

The Judicial branch’s job is to interpret laws and resolve constitutional questions. Courts review laws and government actions to see if they fit within the Constitution. When something conflicts with the Constitution, the judiciary can strike it down or require changes, protecting citizens’ rights and maintaining limits on government power. This power of judicial review gives the courts the final say on constitutional interpretation in many cases, which is why this statement best describes the branch. The other options describe tasks for the executive (enforcing laws and negotiating treaties), the legislature (creating laws and budgets), or misstate the appointment of judges (which is done by the President with Senate approval, not by the judiciary).

The Judicial branch’s job is to interpret laws and resolve constitutional questions. Courts review laws and government actions to see if they fit within the Constitution. When something conflicts with the Constitution, the judiciary can strike it down or require changes, protecting citizens’ rights and maintaining limits on government power. This power of judicial review gives the courts the final say on constitutional interpretation in many cases, which is why this statement best describes the branch. The other options describe tasks for the executive (enforcing laws and negotiating treaties), the legislature (creating laws and budgets), or misstate the appointment of judges (which is done by the President with Senate approval, not by the judiciary).