What type of jurisdiction does the Supreme Court have?

The Supreme Court's jurisdiction primarily includes both constitutional and major federal issues. This means that the Court has the authority to interpret the Constitution and rule on significant matters that involve federal laws, treaties, and interactions between states, as well as issues that arise under the Constitution itself.

The significance of this jurisdiction lies in the Supreme Court's role as the highest court in the land, tasked with resolving disputes that hinge on the interpretation of federal law and constitutional principles. This can include landmark cases concerning civil rights, individual liberties, and the limits of governmental power, impacting not just the parties involved in a case but also setting precedents that influence the entire legal system.

While the Supreme Court does have original jurisdiction in specific cases—primarily those involving ambassadors and states—it predominantly exercises appellate jurisdiction, meaning it reviews cases that have been decided by lower courts. This reflects its essential function in ensuring uniformity in the interpretation of federal law across the nation, thereby reinforcing the principle of legal consistency and providing a system of checks and balances within the judiciary. The focus on constitutional and major federal issues emphasizes the Court's role as a guardian of the Constitution.