Question

Which power can the US Supreme Court exercise with reference to the US Constitution?

1) propose, alter, approve, and craft constitutional amendments

2) veto proposed constitutional amendments before they are ratified

3)provide clarification and/or extend the meaning of constitutional provisions on a case-by-case basis

4) formally add new constitutional language by rendering decisions, interpretations and rulings on a case-by-case basis

Answer 1

The U.S. Supreme Court can interpret and clarify provisions of the Constitution on a case-by-case basis through judicial review but does not have the power to propose, alter, or veto constitutional amendments.

Step-by-step explanation:

The U.S. Supreme Court has the power to interpret the Constitution and provide rulings that clarify its provisions. The Court exercises the power of judicial review, as established in the case of Marbury v. Madison. This power is not explicitly stated in the original Constitution, but it is widely accepted as a critical function of the judiciary, allowing the Court to declare acts of the other branches unconstitutional if they violate the Constitution. This judicial review extends to clarifying the Constitution on a case-by-case basis, but does not include the authority to propose, alter, approve, or craft constitutional amendments, nor can it veto proposed amendments before ratification.

In summary, the correct answer to the student's question is:
3) provide clarification and/or extend the meaning of constitutional provisions on a case-by-case basis.

Answer 2

The US Supreme Court exercises the power:

3) Provide clarification and/or extend the meaning of constitutional provisions on a case-by-case basis

The Supreme Court's primary role is to interpret the Constitution and provide legal rulings on a case-by-case basis, which can clarify and extend the meaning of constitutional provisions. The Court does not have the authority to propose, alter, approve, or craft constitutional amendments (1), veto proposed constitutional amendments (2), or formally add new constitutional language (4). Constitutional amendments require a separate process involving Congress and the states, and the Supreme Court does not have a direct role in that process.