Do states or any other branch of government have the power to overrule the Supreme Court?
PRAY FIRST for U.S. elected and appointed officials as divisions deepen between the measures legislators pass and the decisions of federal and state courts.
Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. – Luke 11:17
There is an ongoing struggle between state and federal authorities against the judiciary’s role in interpreting laws and the Constitution. The U.S. Supreme Court is crucial in maintaining legal consistency and resolving conflicts between state and federal authorities. Elected officials are meant to be more representative of the public, and they often feel that their authority has been undermined by the judiciary’s power to overturn laws passed by legislatures. Thus, the struggle continues, and there is a battle over who should have the ultimate say.
Can the President Reject a Ruling of the High Court?
President Joe Biden and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recently attempted to provide blanket federal student loan forgiveness. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the administration, stating that the president does not have the authority to provide such forgiveness. However, the administration disagreed with the court’s decision and continues exploring alternative ways to expand current debt relief provisions.
Federal Authority or State Powers
During the COVID-19 pandemic, state governors’ authority and power came to the forefront, as some were proactive in their directives for public health, while others prioritized individual rights and liberties. Federal authorities were limited in their ability to mandate nationwide regulations, and some government mandates were challenged in federal courts.
The recent lawsuits between President Biden’s administration and the state of Texas highlight the ongoing struggle between federal and state authorities. Texas seeks to maintain barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border, while the Department of Homeland Security argues that the state’s intervention is hampering their agents.
Ultimately, these decisions are expected to be decided in federal courts and, if unable to be resolved earlier, taken to the Supreme Court.
The Constitution or Court Decisions
There has been recent criticism of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ability to accurately interpret the Constitution and laws. The Court’s ruling in Hawaii, which limits the right to bear arms to militia service only, has been met with scrutiny for contradicting previous rulings that support individuals’ rights to bear arms outside of their homes. The state court argued that the “Aloha Spirit” of the state takes precedence over the right to armed self-defense.
To maintain a stable and balanced U.S. government, no branch should have more power than another. Simultaneously, no branch must be undermined to the point of non-functionality. It’s crucial to preserve the Constitution by carefully maintaining this delicate balance. The Supreme Court should have the complete authority to issue rulings and judgments while also being accountable to the Executive and Legislative branches and responsive to the will of the states.
HOW THEN SHOULD WE PRAY:
— Pray for elected officials and judges in the federal and state judiciaries to be led the by the Lord in their roles. The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.(Proverbs 21:1).
— Pray for wisdom for state governors and local public servants. Nations will fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth will fear your glory (Psalm 102:15). It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. (Psalm 118:9).
CONSIDER THESE ITEMS FOR PRAYER:
- Pray for the judges of the Supreme Court as they evaluate and rule on important cases presented to them.
- Pray for the clerks and lawyers who work with and assist the judges as they provide information and support.
- Pray for the judges and leaders in each state as they work within the framework of the Consitution.
- Pray for the president and administration officials as they appoint federal judges.
- Pray for congressional officials as they evaluate and approve the president’s judicial nominations.
Sources: Reason, CNBC, Fox Business, National Institutes of Health, Newsweek, NY Times
