Does the active player get priority back after each spell or ability resolves from the stack?

After any spell or ability finishes resolving, the game performs a round of state-based actions, then the active player (the player whose turn it is) receives priority first (CR 117.3b). This happens every single time the stack empties of one item — not just at the end of a full chain.

Priority is the system that controls who may take actions. When a player has priority, they may cast spells, activate abilities, or take special actions. If the active player passes priority and so does every other player in succession without anyone adding anything to the stack, the top object resolves (CR 117.4). Then the process resets: state-based actions are checked, and the active player gets priority again (CR 117.3b).

This means that after each individual resolution, the active player always gets the first chance to respond or take action before opponents. Opponents only get priority after the active player passes it to them in turn order (CR 117.3a).

Concrete example: It's your turn and you cast Lightning Bolt targeting a creature; your opponent responds with Giant Growth on that creature. Giant Growth resolves first. Now you, as the active player, receive priority back — you can cast another spell, activate an ability, or pass priority before Lightning Bolt resolves.

Key rules: CR 117.3b states the active player receives priority after a spell or ability resolves, and CR 117.4 explains that the stack only resolves an object when all players pass priority in succession without acting.