Which body interprets constitutional protections?

• A. The President
• B. US Supreme Court
• C. U.S. Congress
• D. The States

Answer: (B)

Constitutional protections are interpreted by the judiciary, with the United States Supreme Court serving as the final interpreter. The Court has the power of judicial review, established in Marbury v. Madison, which lets it decide whether laws or government actions violate the Constitution. This means the Court’s interpretations determine how rights are understood and applied in real cases, and its decisions set binding standards nationwide.

The other branches play different roles: the President enforces laws and can highlight constitutional questions, Congress writes laws and can shape procedures, and states interpret both federal and state constitutional protections within their jurisdictions. Yet when it comes to the binding, overarching interpretation of constitutional protections at the federal level, the Supreme Court is the ultimate authority.