AAERT Certified Electronic Reporter (CER) Practice Test

Which branch of government includes the US Supreme Court?

1. Legislative

2. Executive

3. Judicial

4. Administrative

The correct answer is: Judicial

The correct choice is the Judicial branch because the US Supreme Court functions as the highest court in the federal judiciary and is tasked with interpreting the law. Its primary role is to ensure that justice is administered fairly, to interpret the Constitution, and to assess the constitutionality of laws and government actions. This branch also includes lower federal courts, under which various types of cases can be heard, including those pertaining to constitutional rights and federal statutes. The Supreme Court serves as a critical check on the Legislative and Executive branches, ensuring that no laws or actions violate the Constitution. In contrast, the Legislative branch is responsible for making laws, while the Executive branch implements and enforces these laws. The Administrative component often refers to agencies and functions within the executive branch, but it does not relate to the judicial responsibilities of interpreting laws. Therefore, the distinction of the Supreme Court as part of the Judicial branch is significant in understanding the separation of powers and the role of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law in the United States.