Which branch interprets the laws in the U.S. government?

The Judicial Branch is responsible for interpreting the laws in the U.S. government. This branch includes the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, which have the authority to evaluate the meaning of laws, how they apply to specific cases, and whether they conform to the Constitution. Through judicial review, the courts can declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional, thus acting as a check on the powers of the legislative and executive branches. This role of legal interpretation ensures that laws are applied fairly and justly, upholding the rule of law.

In contrast, the Legislative Branch, composed of Congress, is responsible for making laws, while the Executive Branch enforces those laws. Local Government refers to municipal or community-level governance and does not pertain to the interpretation of federal laws. The distinction among these branches is crucial to maintaining the balance of power within the U.S. government.