What is the primary role of the Supreme Court?

The primary role of the Supreme Court is to interpret and uphold the Constitution. This function is critical because the Supreme Court serves as the highest judicial authority in the United States, ensuring that laws and policies align with constitutional principles. By reviewing cases that challenge the meaning or application of the Constitution, the Court provides clarity and guidance on constitutional issues, which helps maintain the rule of law and protect individual rights.

The interpretation of constitutional provisions also allows the Supreme Court to establish important legal precedents that influence future cases and the broader legal landscape. This judicial review process is integral to the system of checks and balances among the branches of government, as it allows the Supreme Court to ensure that neither Congress nor the President exceeds their constitutional authority.

Other roles mentioned in the choices, such as creating laws or enforcing treaties, are functions primarily assigned to the legislative and executive branches of government, respectively. Additionally, overseeing state governments is not a direct responsibility of the Supreme Court; while the Court may address state laws in relation to constitutional standards, its primary duty remains the interpretation and application of the Constitution.