Which of the following statements about the Supreme Court of the United States is correct, when considered together as a group?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All the above

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Although this question appears in an Indian politics section, it refers to the Supreme Court of the United States by mentioning Congress and the President. The question tests your understanding of the broad powers of judicial review and constitutional interpretation exercised by the US Supreme Court. You must determine whether each individual statement is correct, and then identify which option correctly summarises their combined truth value.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Statement 1: A state law may be overturned by the Supreme Court.
  • Statement 2: The Supreme Court can determine if the actions of the President are legal.
  • Statement 3: The Supreme Court determines the constitutionality of laws passed by Congress.
  • Option D claims that all the above statements are true.
  • We assume the context of the US constitutional system, including judicial review.


Concept / Approach:
In the United States, the Supreme Court has the power of judicial review, established strongly by the landmark case Marbury v. Madison. This power allows the Court to interpret the Constitution and strike down laws or executive actions that it finds unconstitutional. Because of this, the Supreme Court can invalidate state laws, review the legality and constitutionality of presidential actions, and decide whether Acts of Congress conform to the Constitution. Therefore, each of the three statements reflects a genuine aspect of the Supreme Court's authority.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Consider Statement 1: A state law may be overturned by the Supreme Court. Judicial review extends to both federal and state laws, so the Supreme Court can strike down state statutes that conflict with the US Constitution.Step 2: Consider Statement 2: The Supreme Court can determine if the actions of the President are legal. The Court can review executive actions when they are challenged in court and decide if they violate the Constitution or federal law.Step 3: Consider Statement 3: The Supreme Court determines the constitutionality of laws passed by Congress. This is a central function of judicial review; if a law passed by Congress is found unconstitutional, the Court can declare it invalid.Step 4: Since all three statements accurately describe aspects of the Supreme Court's role, the combined correct option is that all of them are true.Step 5: Therefore, select 'All the above' as the correct answer.


Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify each statement using basic knowledge of US government. Many famous Supreme Court decisions involve overturning state laws, such as those relating to civil rights or voting rights. Decisions on executive actions, including those involving national security or administrative agencies, show that the Court can check presidential power. Landmark cases involving Acts of Congress, such as those reviewing parts of major federal statutes, confirm that the Court evaluates the constitutionality of federal legislation. Together, these confirm that all three statements are correct descriptions of the Supreme Court's powers.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Any option that implies only one or two statements are correct is wrong because each of the three listed powers is real and well documented in US constitutional practice.
  • Choosing only one of the specific statements ignores the broad scope of judicial review that encompasses state laws, federal laws, and executive actions.


Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to think that the Supreme Court only reviews federal laws and does not touch state laws, or that it cannot review actions of the President. Another error is assuming that because Congress makes laws, the Court cannot overturn them. In reality, the system of checks and balances in the US requires that the Supreme Court have the authority to interpret the Constitution and invalidate laws or actions that violate it. Remember that judicial review applies across all branches and levels of government within the constitutional framework.



Final Answer:
All three statements describe genuine powers of the US Supreme Court, so the correct option is All the above.

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