Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

Who is responsible for settling legal disagreements between the state and the federal government?

1. Circuit court

2. State supreme court

3. Federal district court

4. Appellate court

The correct answer is: State supreme court

The state supreme court is responsible for settling legal disagreements between the state and the federal government because it serves as the highest court within a state judicial system. When there are disputes involving state laws or constitutional issues that conflict with federal laws, the state supreme court has the authority to interpret state law in accordance with the U.S. Constitution. Additionally, the state supreme court plays a critical role in determining how state statutes align with federal laws, and its rulings can have significant implications for state governance. Federal courts, including federal district courts and appellate courts, handle cases that may arise under federal law, but conflicts that specifically involve interpretations of state law typically originate at the state level. The circuit courts, on the other hand, handle a variety of cases, but do not have the jurisdiction to settle disputes between the state and the federal government in the same way that a state supreme court can.