Final answer:
The judicial branch interprets the Constitution, reviews laws, and decides cases involving states' rights. Its power of judicial review, though not expressly mentioned in the Constitution, was established by the Supreme Court in Marbury v. Madison and empowers the courts to declare actions of other branches unconstitutional.
Step-by-step explanation:
The judicial branch of the United States government holds the power to interpret the Constitution, review laws, and decide cases involving states' rights among various other responsibilities. The Supreme Court's power of judicial review, a fundamental element of this branch, was established in the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison in 1803. This power is not explicitly stated in the Constitution but was affirmed to enable the courts to declare acts of other branches unconstitutional if they violate the U.S Constitution.
Judicial review is a critical aspect of the system of checks and balances designed by the Framers, allowing the judicial branch to examine and potentially nullify actions by the legislative and executive branches, as well as the states. The judicial branch interprets laws, makes policy, guards the Constitution, and protects individual rights in alignment with its designated authority.