1) How is the Supreme Court equal to the other branches of government?
A) It has the same powers as the legislative branch and executive branch**
B) It enforces the laws along with the president
C) It creates laws like the legislative branch
D) It interprets the laws and has the final say in federal law
2) Which of the following is an example of the Supreme Court using the power of judicial review?
A) deciding the constitutionality of a law
B) hearing an appellate case**
C) asking questions during oral arguments
D) appointing federal judges
3) When Chief Justice John Marshall wrote "A law repugnant to the Constitution is void" in the case Marbury v. Madison, what was he claiming?
A) The Framers should have taken more care designing the legislative branch
B) Laws unsupported by the Constitution are automatically unlawful
C) The Supreme Court will take over lawmaking duties should it be necessary
D) The Supreme Court has the right to declare laws of Congress unconstitutional**
3 is right. The others are wrong.
1) The answer is D) It interprets the laws and has the final say in federal law.
Getting to this answer involves understanding the roles and powers of the branches of government. The legislative branch (Congress) creates laws, the executive branch (President) enforces laws, and the judicial branch (Supreme Court) interprets laws. While the Supreme Court does not have the same powers as the legislative or executive branches, it is considered equal to them in terms of its importance and authority within the separation of powers system. The Supreme Court's power to interpret laws and make final decisions on their constitutionality makes it equal to the other branches.
2) The answer is A) deciding the constitutionality of a law.
To understand this, it is important to know what judicial review is. Judicial review is the power of the Supreme Court to declare laws or actions of the legislative and executive branches unconstitutional. It allows the Court to review and evaluate the constitutionality of laws and determine whether they align with the principles and provisions of the Constitution. When the Supreme Court exercises its power of judicial review, it is making a decision about the constitutionality of a law, demonstrating the use of this power.
3) The answer is B) Laws unsupported by the Constitution are automatically unlawful.
In the case Marbury v. Madison, Chief Justice John Marshall made a significant statement: "A law repugnant to the Constitution is void." This statement reflects the principle of judicial review, stating that any law that goes against the Constitution is automatically invalid or unlawful. Chief Justice Marshall was asserting that it is the role of the Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution and declare laws unconstitutional if they violate its provisions. This established the Court's power of judicial review and its ability to safeguard the Constitution's supremacy over other laws.