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Anyone can interpret the Constitution; however, the courts determine whether laws, executive orders, treaties and policies are in keeping with the principles of the Constitution, and have the ability to nullify and render unenforceable any that are not. The Supreme Court is the ultimate authority on Constitutional law.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoIn many republican democratic systems of government, like that of the United States, the power to interpret the constitution is vested in the judiciary. The Supreme Court as the highest court of the land decides with finality any justiciable controversy brought before it or the courts a quo for adjudication.
Additional Information
The United States is a Constitutional Republic and NOT a representative democracy. Many people incorrectly refer to our system of government as a democracy. It is not. A democracy is akin to two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. It is our Constitution that protects the minority from the tyranny of the majority.
"We the people' have the sole power to interpret the Constitution. When you hear about the Supreme Court deciding a case on Constitutional issues, they are interpreting a law written by the legislative branch to determine if it infringes upon or conflicts with the Constitution. In order to do so, they must determine (interpret) the intent of the Constitution.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoThe US Supreme Court, head of the Judicial Branch of government, is the ultimate authority on the interpretation the Constitution.
The courts are vested with the authority to interpret laws and ensure they adhere to the spirit and letter of the Constitution, as explained in Articles III and VI. This necessitates interpreting the meaning of the Constitution, as well. The courts are also responsible for determining how a laws are interpreted and applied. The Supreme Court, as the highest appellate court in the nation, is the final authority on the Constitution.
SeraSmith
The Supreme Court decides if a law fits the meaning of the Constitution.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoAdd your answer:
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How does the ability to interpret and amend the constitution represent a compromise?
The ability to interpret and amend the constitution represents a compromise because you need to give a little to get a little. You pay taxes and your kids go to good schools.
How did the marshall court interpret the constitution in its rulings?
it gave the federal government more power over the states
What are the duties of the Supreme Court?
judges if laws and acts of the legislative and executive branches are constitutional
What provisions in the US Constitution make it a flexible documentation?
The provision that provides flexibility to the U.S.Constitution is Article 5, which established procedures for proposing and ratifying amendments to the Constitution. Article 3 established the Supreme Court and the power of judicial review. It does not grant the Court the power to interpret the Constitution. However, in the 1803 case Marbury vs. Madison the Supreme Court determined that it had the right to interpret the Constitution, thus lending flexibility to the Constitution. -- Contributed by Ray Kovach, Chicago, IL
What is a Judge who believes the Constitution's literal meaning?
Such a judge would be called a "strict constructionist". This is because that judge would construe, or interpret, the Constitution in a strict way, keeping close to the literal meaning of the actual words used. in the Constitution.
What court can interpret the Constitution?
Any court can interpret the constitution, but the US Supreme Court is the final arbiter on constitutionality.
Who reads the constitution word for word?
A "literalist" would interpret the Constitution just as it is written, rather than interpret its meaning in context.
What authority is given to government agencies to interpret the constitution?
Interpretation is left up to the Supreme Court and other lower courts. Agencies have no authority to interpret the Constitution.
How do I Interpret the preamble of the constitution?
There is no interpretation in the Constitution. It is timeless, and was intended to be upheld as long as America stands.
The court decisions affect the constitution because the courts what?
Apply and interpret the constitution in legal cases
What is the name of the judge who interpret the constitution narrowly?
judicial restraint.
Who have final authority to interpret constitution of India?
Supreme Court
What is the judiciary of our government?
it is the supreme courts role is to interpret the constitution
Which of the following does Congress not have the authority to do?
Interpret the Constitution in a court case
What was the supreme courts ability to interpret the constitution called?
Appeal
What is the government branch that interpret the constitution and shapes the laws?
The Judicial Branch
How did the Marshall court interpret the constitution in its ruling's?
The principle of judicial review.
