Who is primarily responsible for interpreting the Constitution?

Study for the Connecticut Naturalization Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions; each question offers hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

The primary responsibility for interpreting the Constitution lies with the Supreme Court. This is because the Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States and has the final say on matters regarding constitutional law. Through its rulings, the Court establishes legal precedents and determines how the Constitution applies to specific cases, effectively shaping the interpretation of constitutional principles over time.

The role of the Supreme Court is established under Article III of the Constitution, which vests the judicial power of the United States in one supreme Court and such inferior courts as Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. When the Supreme Court hears cases, it is tasked with interpreting the Constitution’s provisions and ensuring that laws and government actions comply with constitutional standards. This interpretive authority includes the power of judicial review, which allows the Court to invalidate laws and actions that are found to conflict with the Constitution.

In contrast, the President, the Senate, and the House of Representatives have different roles and responsibilities in the government. The President's duties primarily involve enforcing laws, while Congress (comprising both the Senate and the House of Representatives) is responsible for making laws. These branches can influence constitutional interpretation through legislation and policy decisions, but it is ultimately the Supreme Court that interprets the Constitution itself

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