Question

The judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and equity, arising under this Constitution, the laws of the United States, and treaties made, or which shall be made, under their authority.

—Constitution of the United States
Article III

The purpose of this passage from the Constitution is to

identify the jurisdiction of the federal courts.
distinguish between laws and treaties.
establish a system of inferior courts.
place specific limits on the federal courts.

Answer 1

identify the jurisdiction of the federal courts.

Explanation: Article III describes the scope of the judicial power by listing the kinds of cases federal courts may hear (those arising under the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties). It does not create lower courts or distinguish laws from treaties or place new limits.