What is the final authority in determining the constitutionality of laws in the United States?

What is the final authority in determining the constitutionality of laws in the United States?

• A. The President
• B. The US Supreme Court
• C. The Senate
• D. The House of Representatives

Answer: (B)

The final authority in determining the constitutionality of laws in the United States is the US Supreme Court. This is established through the principle of judicial review, which allows the Supreme Court to assess whether legislation or executive actions align with the Constitution. The ability to interpret the Constitution ensures that the rights and freedoms it guarantees are upheld, and this role is a fundamental aspect of the checks and balances exercised among the three branches of government. The Supreme Court's interpretations not only influence current laws but also set precedents for future cases, reinforcing its critical role in sustaining constitutional governance. The finality of its decisions means that once the Supreme Court has ruled on a matter of constitutional interpretation, that ruling generally stands unless overturned by a future Supreme Court decision or through a constitutional amendment, which is a challenging and lengthy process. This authority is unique to the judiciary, distinguishing it from the powers held by the legislative and executive branches, which do not possess the mandate to interpret the Constitution in the same decisive manner.

The final authority in determining the constitutionality of laws in the United States is the US Supreme Court. This is established through the principle of judicial review, which allows the Supreme Court to assess whether legislation or executive actions align with the Constitution. The ability to interpret the Constitution ensures that the rights and freedoms it guarantees are upheld, and this role is a fundamental aspect of the checks and balances exercised among the three branches of government.

The Supreme Court's interpretations not only influence current laws but also set precedents for future cases, reinforcing its critical role in sustaining constitutional governance. The finality of its decisions means that once the Supreme Court has ruled on a matter of constitutional interpretation, that ruling generally stands unless overturned by a future Supreme Court decision or through a constitutional amendment, which is a challenging and lengthy process. This authority is unique to the judiciary, distinguishing it from the powers held by the legislative and executive branches, which do not possess the mandate to interpret the Constitution in the same decisive manner.