U.S. History STAAR ( State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

Which group can rule a law unconstitutional?

1. Executive branch

2. Legislative branch

3. Judicial branch

4. Federal reserve

The correct answer is: Judicial branch

The ability to rule a law unconstitutional is a power held by the judicial branch, specifically by the courts. This authority is derived from the principle of judicial review, which allows the judiciary to examine laws and government actions to determine if they are in alignment with the Constitution. If a law is found to violate the Constitution, the judicial branch has the power to invalidate that law, ensuring that the rights and liberties enshrined in the Constitution are protected. This system of checks and balances is fundamental to the U.S. government, as it prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful. The other branches—the executive and legislative—do not possess the authority to declare laws unconstitutional; they can propose or implement laws, but they must abide by the Constitution as interpreted by the courts. The Federal Reserve, while it plays a crucial role in the economic system, does not have legal authority regarding the constitutionality of laws. Thus, the judicial branch is unequivocally the correct answer regarding who can rule a law unconstitutional.