Who has the power to settle disputes between states?

• A. President
• B. Supreme Court
• C. Congress
• D. Senate

Answer: (D)

Interstate disputes are settled by the Supreme Court because the Constitution assigns the Court original jurisdiction over cases between states. This creates a neutral federal forum specifically to resolve conflicts that cross state lines, such as boundary questions or river rights. The President may propose actions and enforce laws, but he does not render binding decisions on these disputes. Congress can legislate and influence the judiciary’s structure and jurisdiction, but the actual resolution of interstate conflicts comes from the Supreme Court’s rulings. The Senate, as part of the legislative branch, does not settle such disputes either; it’s involved in confirming judges and passing laws, not issuing the binding decisions that resolve interstate disagreements.