Final answer:
The judicial branch of government, particularly the Supreme Court in the United States, is responsible for interpreting laws and determining their constitutionality through the process of judicial review.
Step-by-step explanation:
Which Branch of Government Interprets Laws?
The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and deciding if a law is constitutional is known as the judicial branch. This branch is composed of courts that have the power to evaluate and interpret laws, ensuring they align with the foundational law of the country, which in the United States, is the Constitution.
The highest court, like the Supreme Court in the U.S., has the authority to determine the constitutionality of laws. This function allows the judiciary to assess whether a law is in agreement with the principles set forth in the Constitution, a process termed as judicial review. In the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison, the U.S. Supreme Court established its authority to engage in this judicial review, effectively becoming the ultimate arbiter of constitutional interpretation.
The courts' power to guard the Constitution plays a critical role in maintaining the balance of power among the branches of government. By exercising this judicial interpretation, the judiciary acts as a guardian of individual rights and ensures that the laws and policies enacted by the legislative and enforced by the executive branches comply with constitutional provisions.