The U.S. has a dual court system, which consists of which two types of courts?

The dual court system of the United States consists of state and federal courts. This structure reflects the federal nature of the U.S. government, whereby power and authority are divided between national and state governments. Each system has its own courts with distinct jurisdictions, roles, and responsibilities.

State courts handle the vast majority of legal disputes, including issues related to state law, family law, and local ordinances. They operate under the laws of their respective states. Federal courts, on the other hand, deal primarily with matters arising under federal law, interstate issues, or cases that involve parties from different states. This separation allows for a diverse range of legal interpretations and applications that reflect both local and national needs.

In contrast to this correct answer, other options pertain to different aspects of the judicial system. Local and international courts do not represent the primary division of the U.S. court system. Civil and criminal courts refer to types of cases rather than types of court systems, as civil cases can be heard in both state and federal courts. Lastly, supreme and appellate courts specify levels of court within the systems but do not denote the overall structure of dual courts.