Explain the role of the judiciary in a system of constitutional government.

Explain the role of the judiciary in a system of constitutional government.

• A. The judiciary writes all legislation without oversight.
• B. The judiciary interprets laws, protects rights, resolves disputes, and can exercise judicial review.
• C. The judiciary interprets laws but has no role in protecting rights.
• D. The judiciary controls monetary policy.

Answer: (B)

In a constitutional system, the judiciary acts as the guardian of the Constitution by interpreting laws and resolving disputes, while also protecting fundamental rights through judicial review. Courts interpret statutes to ensure they comply with constitutional limits and have the power to strike down or limit government actions that violate the Constitution. They settle conflicts between citizens and the state, between different branches of government, and safeguard due process, keeping the other branches in check and upholding individual rights. Choosing the option that describes the judiciary as interpreting laws, protecting rights, resolving disputes, and exercising judicial review best captures this balancing role. Writing all legislation falls to the legislature, not the judiciary. Saying the judiciary has no role in protecting rights ignores a central function of constitutional courts. Controlling monetary policy is outside the judiciary’s remit, which is typically handled by central banks and finance authorities.

In a constitutional system, the judiciary acts as the guardian of the Constitution by interpreting laws and resolving disputes, while also protecting fundamental rights through judicial review. Courts interpret statutes to ensure they comply with constitutional limits and have the power to strike down or limit government actions that violate the Constitution. They settle conflicts between citizens and the state, between different branches of government, and safeguard due process, keeping the other branches in check and upholding individual rights.

Choosing the option that describes the judiciary as interpreting laws, protecting rights, resolving disputes, and exercising judicial review best captures this balancing role. Writing all legislation falls to the legislature, not the judiciary. Saying the judiciary has no role in protecting rights ignores a central function of constitutional courts. Controlling monetary policy is outside the judiciary’s remit, which is typically handled by central banks and finance authorities.