Which item gives the Supreme Court the ability to resolve policy differences between the branches?
A) writ of mandamus
B) executive order
C) judicial review
D) the Constitution
C) judicial review
The item that gives the Supreme Court the ability to resolve policy differences between the branches is C) judicial review.
The correct answer is C) judicial review.
Explanation:
In order to determine the answer to this question, we can break down the options and analyze each one:
A) Writ of mandamus: A writ of mandamus is a court order that compels a government official to perform a specific action. While the Supreme Court has the power to issue writs of mandamus, it does not primarily use them to resolve policy differences between branches of government.
B) Executive order: An executive order is a directive issued by the President of the United States to manage operations of the federal government. However, executive orders do not give the Supreme Court power to resolve policy differences.
C) Judicial review: Judicial review is the power of the courts to review and invalidate laws, acts, and actions made by the legislative and executive branches of government. This power allows the Supreme Court to determine if a law or action is constitutional, and it enables the Court to resolve policy differences between the branches.
D) The Constitution: While the Constitution is the foundational document that established the structure and powers of the United States government, it does not specifically grant the Supreme Court the ability to resolve policy differences. Rather, it is through the power of judicial review, as established in the Constitution, that the Supreme Court is able to resolve policy differences.
Therefore, option C) judicial review is the correct answer as it gives the Supreme Court the ability to resolve policy differences between the branches.