What is the role of the modern Supreme Court in the United States?

The modern Supreme Court plays a crucial role as a policy-making body that interprets the Constitution. This function stems from its authority to review cases that challenge the validity of laws and their alignment with constitutional principles. Through judicial review, the Court can strike down laws that it finds unconstitutional, effectively shaping public policy and legal precedent.

The Supreme Court does not execute laws; that is the responsibility of the executive branch led by the President. Additionally, while the Court does oversee judicial conduct and ensure fair proceedings, it is not structured as a regulatory agency specifically for that purpose. As for mediating state laws, while the Court can hear cases that involve state laws and their conflict with federal laws, its primary function is to interpret the Constitution rather than simply mediating disputes between state laws. This interpretation can set binding precedents that influence a wide array of policies and legal standards throughout the country.