Final answer:
Federal courts clarify the Constitution's meaning through judicial review, where the Supreme Court's interpretations set legal precedents. Decisions create a consistent legal framework, ensuring the Constitution remains current, as seen in cases interpreting modern freedom of speech.
Step-by-step explanation:
The federal courts help make the meaning of the Constitution clearer through the process of judicial review. This process allows the judiciary to determine the constitutionality of laws and interpret the Constitution, ensuring that it remains a living document that evolves with the times.
By deciding on pivotal court cases, federal courts, especially the Supreme Court, set precedents that contribute to a coherent legal framework. The Supreme Court, as the highest court in the land, has the ultimate authority to interpret the Constitution, which informs the application of laws in modern contexts, as seen in cases involving the interpretation of freedom of speech in the age of social media.
Federal courts operate within a structured hierarchy where decisions from higher courts create binding precedents for lower courts. This system promotes consistency and helps maintain the legitimacy of the judiciary as the interpreters of constitutional and legal questions. The historical case of Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review, demonstrating the Court's fundamental role in shaping the Constitution’s application over time.