Which statement about the Supreme Court's authority is NOT accurate?

Which statement about the Supreme Court's authority is NOT accurate?

• A. It reviews federal laws for constitutionality
• B. It protects constitutional rights
• C. It resolves disputes among branches and states
• D. It has no power to review laws for constitutionality

Answer: (D)

Judicial review is the key idea here: the Supreme Court has the power to interpret the Constitution and determine whether laws or executive actions violate it. This allows the Court to review federal laws for constitutionality, ensuring they conform to constitutional limits. It also protects constitutional rights by applying the Constitution’s guarantees in real cases, safeguarding individuals from government overreach. Additionally, the Court settles disputes among branches of government and between states by deciding who has the authority under the Constitution. Saying the Court has no power to review laws for constitutionality is not accurate—judicial review, established early in U.S. history (notably in Marbury v. Madison), is a foundational power that enables the Court to strike down unconstitutional laws and actions.

Judicial review is the key idea here: the Supreme Court has the power to interpret the Constitution and determine whether laws or executive actions violate it. This allows the Court to review federal laws for constitutionality, ensuring they conform to constitutional limits. It also protects constitutional rights by applying the Constitution’s guarantees in real cases, safeguarding individuals from government overreach. Additionally, the Court settles disputes among branches of government and between states by deciding who has the authority under the Constitution. Saying the Court has no power to review laws for constitutionality is not accurate—judicial review, established early in U.S. history (notably in Marbury v. Madison), is a foundational power that enables the Court to strike down unconstitutional laws and actions.