Functions of the Supreme Court in US Politics

The Constitution

⇒ What the constitution says:

  • The Supreme Court (SCOTUS) is the highest court in the USA - it is the final court of appeal
  • It settles disputes between states
  • It settles disputes referred to it by the lower courts

Judicial review

⇒ Judicial review is NOT mentioned in the Constitution. The power was established by Marbury vs Madison in 1803

⇒ Gives the courts the power to declare any act of Congress or actions of the President to be unconstitutional or acts of state governments unconstitutional

⇒ It confirms the court's right to interpret the Constitution

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