Article III: The Courts

The Supreme Court is best characterized as:

A. a federal court.

B. an appellate court.

C. a judicial court.

D. an inferior court.

Answer:

B. an appellate court

Explanation:

Article III of the U.S. Constitution establishes the judicial branch, which includes the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court primarily functions as an appellate court, which means it reviews decisions made by lower courts (such as federal appeals courts and state courts). It does not conduct trials but rather hears appeals on cases involving constitutional interpretation, federal law, and disputes between states.

Thus, B. an appellate court is the most accurate description of the Supreme Court’s primary role.