OFFICIAL USCIS CIVICS QUESTION

What does the judicial branch do?

Category: American Government

Official Question & Answer

Question
What does the judicial branch do?
✦ OFFICIAL ANSWER ✦
Reviews laws; explains laws; resolves disputes (disagreements) about the law; decides if a law goes against the (U.S.) Constitution

Why This Is the Answer

The judicial branch reviews laws, explains laws, resolves disputes, and decides if a law goes against the Constitution. You only need to name one.

The power to strike down unconstitutional laws is called judicial review. This was established in the landmark case Marbury v. Madison (1803) and is one of the most important checks on Congress and the President.

Federal courts handle cases involving federal law, disputes between states, and cases involving the Constitution. The Supreme Court has the final word — its decisions cannot be appealed.

💡 Interview Tip

Pick one: 'Reviews laws' or 'decides if a law goes against the Constitution.'

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