Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

Which is a constitutional responsibility of the legislative branch of the US?

1. Enforcement of laws

2. Administration of laws

3. Interpretation of laws

4. Appointment of judges

The correct answer is: Administration of laws

The legislative branch of the U.S. government is tasked with the responsibility of creating, or "administering," laws. This is primarily achieved through the process of drafting, proposing, debating, and voting on legislation, which can then be signed into law by the Executive branch. The legislative branch, composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives, plays a critical role in determining what the laws of the land will be, thus influencing various aspects of American governance and society. The other choices relate more directly to the functions of the Executive branch, which is responsible for enforcing laws, while the judicial branch interprets those laws to resolve disputes and ensure justice. The appointment of judges is a responsibility more closely associated with the Executive branch as well, since the President appoints federal judges with the advice and consent of the Senate. Understanding these distinct roles is essential to comprehending the balance of power established by the U.S. Constitution, which delineates clear responsibilities for each branch of government.