The authority of the federal government to interpret and apply laws, as granted by the U.S. Constitution. It allows them to handle cases that involve federal laws, treaties, or constitutional issues.
Related terms
State Jurisdiction: The authority of individual states to make and enforce their own laws within their borders.
Supreme Court: The highest court in the United States that has ultimate jurisdiction over interpreting and applying the U.S. Constitution.
Preemption: When federal law takes precedence over state law in certain circumstances, asserting federal jurisdiction over a particular issue.