What is the role of judges in protecting constitutional rights?

• A. They write new laws
• B. They interpret and apply the Constitution to protect rights and resolve disputes
• C. They appoint governors
• D. They enforce domestic policy

Answer: (B)

Judges protect constitutional rights by interpreting the Constitution and applying its rules to real cases. They examine laws and government actions to see whether they honor protections like free speech, fair treatment, and due process. Through careful interpretation and reasoning, they resolve disputes between individuals and the government and, when a law or action violates the Constitution, they can limit or strike it down. In this way, courts act as guardians of civil liberties and as checks on legislative and executive power.

Choosing to write new laws isn’t the judge’s job, which is the role of lawmakers. Appointing governors is an executive action, not a judicial one. Enforcing domestic policy is also mainly the responsibility of the executive branch and its agencies.