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 evaluate laws and government actions against it. When a federal law or executive action conflicts with the Constitution, the Court can strike it down, upholding the constitutional framework. This role is how constitutional rights are protected in practice, because the Court interprets and enforces those rights as they’re written in the Constitution and its amendments. The Court also settles disputes that involve the balance of power—between Congress and the President, or between states and the federal government—keeping the constitutional system functioning smoothly.

The statement that there is no power to review laws for constitutionality is not accurate because the ability to review and invalidate unconstitutional laws is exactly what judicial review is for, a foundational function of the Court since Marbury v. Madison. The other statements describe true aspects of the Court’s authority.