How does the Supreme Court Protect the Federal System?

Answer 1

Not very well these days. The SC has allowed the federal government to usurp power from the states that was granted to the states by the tenth amendment.

Amendment X: 'The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved for the States respectively, or to the people.'

For example, since there is no 'right of privacy' to be found in the Constitution, regulation of abortion is a state's right, not the domain of the Supreme Court, Congress or the President.

Overturning Roe v. Wade would not ban abortion. It would allow each state to set their own standards.

Answer 2

The Supreme Court is one-third of the federal government and is intended to be a check on the legislative and executive branches (Congress and the President). Supreme Court Justices are appointed by the executive branch and confirmed by the legislative branch. This check also helps limit the ability of the President to stack the court to achieve an agenda. They are appointed for life, or until they decide to step down, and are prohibited from engaging in political activities. They are charged with interpreting the Constitution and ensuring that the policies of the President and the laws of this nation are consistent with the US Constitution. The Supreme Court, in theory, is completely independent from influence and outside pressure. As such, they ensure that one branch of the government do not usurp the powers entrusted to another. The Supreme Court is the last protection to ensure that all the branches of the federal government operate within their constitutional mandate.