Federal Court System and Federalism
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of the Due Process Model in the criminal justice system?

  • Protection of civil liberties (correct)
  • Enforcement of strict punishment
  • Efficiency in legal proceedings
  • Maximization of police power

What does the term 'extralegal factors' refer to?

  • Factors that strengthen law enforcement's authority
  • Factors that are universally accepted in legal contexts
  • Factors that influence judicial decisions positively
  • Factors that exist outside or contrary to the law (correct)

What was the significance of the Juvenile Court Act of 1899?

  • It criminalized juvenile delinquency more severely
  • It standardized juvenile laws across all states
  • It established America's first Juvenile Court (correct)
  • It abolished juvenile justice systems in the U.S.

What is the purpose of the Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Act of 1968?

<p>To create community-level responses to juvenile delinquency (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle does 'parens patriae' embody in the legal system?

<p>Government guardianship for those needing care (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the supremacy clause in Article VI?

<p>It ensures federal laws are superior to state laws. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the parole board play in the criminal justice system?

<p>Deciding on the release of prisoners on parole (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'politicized' imply in the context of justice policies?

<p>Incorporating party interests into policy-making (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which court serves as the court of last resort in the United States?

<p>Supreme Court of the United States (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under which evidentiary standard does the party with the most convincing evidence prevail in civil cases?

<p>Preponderance of the evidence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does cooperative federalism emphasize?

<p>Collaboration between national, state, and local governments. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of a waiver in juvenile justice?

<p>The juvenile is transferred to adult court (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor describes federalism where powers are distinctly separated?

<p>Layer Cake Federalism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a sheriff's role?

<p>Acts as the primary law enforcement officer for a county (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which case exemplified an expansive view of the supremacy clause?

<p>Gibbons v. Ogden (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept is illustrated by Marble Cake Federalism?

<p>Intermixing of powers between various government levels. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the 'power of the purse' serve in government?

<p>It allows legislative bodies to control funding for government initiatives. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition must be met for federal courts to hear a case involving a substantial federal question?

<p>A constitutional rights violation or federal legal issue must exist. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the doctrine of proportionality refer to in the legal context?

<p>The idea that punishment should be appropriate to the crime. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary guiding principle of juvenile courts?

<p>Best interest of the child. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Due Process Model prioritizes protecting civil liberties over ensuring swift justice.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Static refers to factors that are prone to change within the legal system.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Admission into adult court through waiver provides juveniles with the same protections as those in juvenile court.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Extralegal factors are elements that are always aligned with the law.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The role of a sheriff originated in feudal England as a local law enforcement authority.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Intermediate Court of Appeals serve as the first level of appellate courts in the federal court system.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Crime Control Model focuses on rehabilitation of offenders rather than suppressing crime.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Marble Cake Federalism symbolizes the separate spheres of power among federal and state governments.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Deinstitutionalization refers to moving individuals from community settings into institutions.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The doctrine of proportionality suggests that punishment should fit the crime.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The best interest of the child is the main principle guiding adult courts.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

United States District Courts serve as appellate courts for federal district courts.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason local governments play a critical role in the criminal justice system?

<p>They handle the majority of the criminal cases at the local level. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the relationship between local governments and the enforcement of laws?

<p>Local law enforcement agencies can only enforce state laws, not federal ones. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the political climate have on police departments?

<p>It can influence the law enforcement style and departmental policy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the selection process of criminal justice decision makers in a democratic republic typically occur?

<p>By either public election or appointed by elected officials. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What criticism can be levied against the modern perception of the judiciary in relation to politics?

<p>Judges' elections and appointments involve political dynamics. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of Article Six of the U.S. Constitution regarding conflicts between federal and state law?

<p>Federal law is superior to state law when conflicts arise. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which event marked a significant increase in federal power over states during the 19th century?

<p>The passage of the Fourteenth Amendment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What describes the shift from dual federalism to a state of shared powers between the federal government and states?

<p>Cooperative Federalism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What best illustrates the relationship between federal courts and the executive branch in the United States?

<p>Judges rely on the executive to enforce their decisions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What transition in the concept of federalism is suggested by the idea that dual federalism may no longer accurately describe the current state?

<p>A more complex interplay of powers, termed cooperative federalism. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of Congress in relation to the federal courts?

<p>To determine the jurisdiction and type of cases federal courts can address (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding the U.S. Supreme Court is accurate?

<p>The Supreme Court typically hears cases that involve substantial federal questions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the phrase 'layer cake federalism'?

<p>Federal and state governments operate independently with clear separation of powers. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the jurisdiction of the United States District Courts?

<p>They have jurisdiction over nearly all categories of federal cases, both civil and criminal. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the role of the federal government in relation to state laws?

<p>When federal and state laws conflict, federal law is considered supreme. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Congress gives the power to create federal courts other than the ______.

<p>Supreme Court</p> Signup and view all the answers

Local governments are critically important to criminal justice because most of the workload of the criminal justice system is taken care of on a ______ level.

<p>local</p> Signup and view all the answers

The President of the United States appoints Supreme Court justices with the confirmation of the ______.

<p>U.S. Senate</p> Signup and view all the answers

Although the federal legal system relies on the old common law for its historical foundations, criminal law is mostly a matter of ______.

<p>statute</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Due Process Model

A criminal justice system focusing on protecting civil liberties.

Extralegal Factors

Factors outside or against the law.

Informal Diversion

Removing someone from the justice system without a conviction.

Juvenile Court Act of 1899

Established the first juvenile court in the US.

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Juvenile Delinquency

Illegal acts by young people.

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Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Act of 1968

A law for community-based responses for juvenile delinquency.

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Parens Patriae

Government's power to care for those needing supervision, especially children.

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Parole Board

Panel deciding prisoner release after minimum sentence.

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Partisan Politics

Political decisions based on party interests.

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Policy

Set of guiding principles for an organization.

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Politicized

Made political in nature.

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Politics

Activities of government and public debates.

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Preponderance of the Evidence

Standard in civil cases; most convincing evidence wins.

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Sheriff

Chief law enforcement officer of a county, originating in feudal England.

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Static

Unchanging.

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Waiver

Transferring a juvenile to adult court, losing juvenile court protections.

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Article Six

Part of the U.S. Constitution that establishes federal laws as superior to state laws.

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Circuit Courts

Federal appellate courts between district courts and the Supreme Court.

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Cooperative Federalism

Federalism where states, localities, and the national government work together.

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Court of Last Resort

Highest court, no further appeals possible.

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Gibbons v. Ogden

SCOTUS case expanding the power of the federal government.

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Intermediate Court of Appeals

Federal appellate court between trial and Supreme Court.

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Layer Cake Federalism

Metaphor for federalism with distinct layers for federal & state powers.

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Local Government

Government bodies for cities, towns, counties, or districts.

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Marble Cake Federalism

Federalism where powers mix between national, state, and local.

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Power of the Purse

Legislative control over government spending.

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Separation of Powers

Dividing government power among the branches (legislative, judicial, executive).

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Substantial Federal Question

Federal courts can only hear appeals with federal law issues central.

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Supremacy Clause

Article Six of the U.S. Constitution, establishing the federal government's supremacy over states

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United States Courts of Appeals

Federal appellate courts in 11 judicial districts reviewing lower courts.

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United States District Courts

Trial courts of general jurisdiction for federal cases.

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Best Interest of the Child

Guiding principle in juvenile courts.

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Crime Control Model

Criminal justice system prioritizing crime suppression.

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Deinstitutionalization

Moving residents from institutions to community settings.

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Doctrine of Proportionality

Punishment should be appropriate to the crime.

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Article Six

Part of the U.S. Constitution establishing federal law as superior to state law.

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Circuit Courts

Federal appellate courts between district courts and the Supreme Court.

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Cooperative Federalism

Federalism where states, localities, and the national government work together.

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Court of Last Resort

Highest court, no further appeals possible.

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Gibbons v. Ogden

SCOTUS case expanding power of federal government, supremacy clause.

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Intermediate Court of Appeals

Federal appellate court between trial and Supreme Court.

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Layer Cake Federalism

Metaphor for federalism, distinct layers for federal and state powers.

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Local Government

Government bodies for cities, towns, counties, districts.

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Marble Cake Federalism

Federalism with mixed powers between national, state, and local.

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Power of the Purse

Legislative control over government spending.

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Separation of Powers

Dividing government power among legislative, judicial, and executive branches.

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Substantial Federal Question

Federal courts can only hear appeals with federal law issues central.

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Supremacy Clause

Article Six of the U.S. Constitution, establishing federal government's supremacy over states.

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United States Courts of Appeals

Federal appellate courts in eleven judicial districts that review lower federal courts.

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United States District Courts

Trial courts of general jurisdiction for federal cases.

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Due Process Model

Criminal justice system prioritizing individual rights.

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Extralegal Factors

Influences outside the legal system.

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Informal Diversion

Removing a person from the justice system without a conviction.

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Juvenile Court Act of 1899

Established the first juvenile court in the U.S.

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Juvenile Delinquency

Illegal acts committed by a minor.

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Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Act of 1968

Law emphasizing community involvement for juvenile problems.

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Parens Patriae

Government's role as guardian of those needing care, esp. children.

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Parole Board

Panel deciding prisoner release after meeting conditions.

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Partisan Politics

Political process driven by party interests.

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Policy

Set of guidelines for actions.

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Politicized

Process turning something into a political issue.

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Politics

Activities surrounding government and its influence.

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Preponderance of the Evidence

Evidence standard in civil cases.

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Sheriff

Chief law enforcement officer of a county.

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Static

Unchanging.

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Waiver

Transferring a juvenile to adult court.

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Dual Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between the federal government and individual states, with each exercising its powers independently.

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Federal Law vs. State Law

Federal laws take precedence over conflicting state laws, as established by Article Six of the U.S. Constitution.

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Cooperative Federalism

A system where power blurs between state and federal government, with shared responsibilities and overlapping jurisdictions.

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Dual Court System

The U.S. has both state and federal court systems, each independent and separate.

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Article Six

Section of the U.S. Constitution establishing federal law as superior to conflicting state laws.

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Separation of Powers

Dividing governmental power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

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Hierarchy of Courts

Federal and state courts are organized in a hierarchical structure, with higher courts reviewing decisions of lower courts.

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Branches of Government

The different parts of a government (like legislative, executive, and judicial) that work together.

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U.S. Constitution

The supreme law of the U.S., outlining the powers and responsibilities of different branches of government.

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Federal Courts

Courts in the U.S. federal system, unlike state courts, dealing with laws and disputes affecting multiple states or the federal government.

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Congress's Power

Congress sets up and controls most federal courts, including types of cases and number of judges.

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District Courts

The trial courts in the federal system hear nearly every type of federal case, both civil and criminal.

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Courts of Appeals

These courts review decisions from district courts within their judicial circuit.

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Supreme Court

The highest court in the U.S., reviewing cases with substantial federal questions.

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State Courts

State-level courts with different levels handling cases related to state laws and constitutions.

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Supremacy Clause

Federal law supersedes state law in conflicts with federal Constitution.

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Dual Executive

Both federal and state governments have executive branches and law enforcement agencies, each with its own jurisdiction.

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Layer Cake Federalism

A metaphor describing a system of distinct federal and state powers, operating independently.

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Power of the Purse

The legislative (Congress) authority to control government spending.

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Local Government

Government bodies responsible for cities, counties, and other local areas.

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Local Government's Role in Criminal Justice

Local governments handle most criminal justice work, including employing police officers and deputies.

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Local Ordinances

Minor laws passed by local governments, usually resulting in fines.

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Politics in Criminal Justice

Conflict and debate around criminal justice policies.

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Criminal Justice Decision Makers

Decision-makers in the criminal justice system are often elected or appointed by public officials.

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Criminal Law and Politics

Criminal laws are statutes created by legislative bodies influenced by political considerations.

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"Get Tough" Era

Period in criminal justice history with harsher punishments and longer sentences due to factors like the crack epidemic.

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Police and Politics

Law enforcement tries to stay away from politics to maintain impartiality.

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Prosecutors and Politics

Prosecutors are often elected, making them highly political and sometimes susceptible to political influence.

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Judges and Politics

Judges, elected or appointed, are influenced by political pressure and public opinion.

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Local Government

Governing bodies for cities, counties, or other districts in the U.S.

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Local Government's Role in Criminal Justice

Local governments handle most aspects of the criminal justice system, including employing police officers and deputies.

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Local Ordinances

Minor laws passed by local governments, typically resulting in fines.

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Politics in Criminal Justice

Conflict and debate surrounding criminal justice policies.

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Criminal Justice Decision Makers

Individuals who make decisions in the criminal justice system, often elected or appointed.

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Criminal Law and Politics

Criminal laws are statutes created by legislative bodies and are often influenced by political factors.

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"Get Tough" Era

Period in criminal justice history characterized by harsher punishments and longer sentences.

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Police and Politics

Law enforcement agencies try to remain impartial and avoid political influences.

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Prosecutors and Politics

Prosecutors are frequently elected officials, often involved in political processes and decisions.

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Judges and Politics

Judges, whether elected or appointed, are subject to political influences and public pressure.

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Dual Federalism

A system where the federal and state governments have separate and distinct areas of authority.

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Federal Law Supremacy

Federal laws override conflicting state laws, per the U.S. Constitution.

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Cooperative Federalism

Federal and state governments share powers and responsibilities.

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Dual Court System

The U.S. has separate state and federal court systems.

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Hierarchy of Courts

Courts are organized in levels, with higher courts reviewing lower ones.

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Article Six

Article of the Constitution establishing federal law's superiority over state law.

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Separation of Powers

Division of governmental power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

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Branches of Government

The different parts (legislative, executive, judicial) that form a government.

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Federal Courts

Courts in the U.S. federal system, dealing with federal matters.

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State Courts

Courts in individual U.S. states, dealing with state matters.

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Supremacy Clause

Federal law supersedes state law in conflicts.

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U.S. Constitution

The supreme law of the U.S, outlining government functions.

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District Courts

Federal trial courts for most federal cases.

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Courts of Appeals

Federal courts reviewing decisions from lower courts.

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Supreme Court

Highest court in U.S., hearing cases with significant federal issues.

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Branches of Government

Different parts of a government (like legislative, executive, and judicial) that work together.

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U.S. Constitution

Supreme law of the U.S., outlining powers and responsibilities of branches.

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Federal Courts

Courts in the U.S. federal system dealing with cross-state/federal laws.

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Congress's Power

Congress creates, controls, and funds most federal courts.

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District Courts

Trial courts in the federal system, hearing federal cases.

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Courts of Appeals

Review decisions from district courts within their judicial circuit.

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Supreme Court

Highest court in the U.S., reviewing cases with substantial federal questions.

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State Courts

State-level courts handling cases related to state laws and constitutions.

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Supremacy Clause

Federal law supersedes state law in conflicts with the federal Constitution.

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Dual Executive

Both federal and state governments have executive branches and law enforcement agencies, each with jurisdiction.

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Local Government

Government bodies responsible for cities, counties, and other local areas.

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Hierarchy of Courts

Federal and state courts are organized in a hierarchical structure with higher courts reviewing.

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Power of the Purse

Legislative control over government spending.

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Layer Cake Federalism

Metaphor describing a system of distinct federal and state powers, operating independently.

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Separation of Powers

Dividing governmental power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

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Study Notes

Federal Court System

  • Supreme Court: Highest court, no further appeals
  • Circuit Courts of Appeals: Intermediate appellate courts between district courts and Supreme Court
  • District Courts: Trial courts of general jurisdiction at the federal level
  • United States Courts of Appeals: Appellate courts for lower federal courts, in 11 judicial districts
  • Supremacy Clause (Article VI): Federal law is superior to state law.
  • Gibbons v. Ogden (1824): SCOTUS case expanding the supremacy clause.
  • Substantial Federal Question: Federal courts hear cases with federal legal issues, like constitutional violations.

Federalism

  • Cooperative Federalism: National, state, and local governments work together to solve problems.
  • Layer Cake Federalism: Metaphor for separate spheres of federal and state power.
  • Marble Cake Federalism: Metaphor for mixing of powers among governments.
  • Power of the Purse: Legislative control over government funding.
  • Separation of Powers: Division of governmental powers among legislative, judicial, and executive branches.

Juvenile Justice

  • Juvenile Court Act of 1899: Established America's first juvenile court in Chicago.
  • Parens Patriae: Government's power to act as guardian for those needing care, esp. children.
  • Juvenile Delinquency: Violations of law by juveniles.
  • Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Act of 1968: Federal law for community-level responses to juvenile delinquency.
  • Deinstitutionalization: Moving residents from institutions (e.g., state hospitals) into the community.
  • Informal Diversion: Removing individuals from the justice system without a conviction.
  • Waiver: Transfer of juvenile to adult court.
  • Best Interest of the Child: Guiding principle in juvenile court.

Criminal Justice

  • Crime Control Model: Emphasis on crime suppression and control.
  • Due Process Model: Emphasis on protecting civil liberties.
  • Doctrine of Proportionality: Punishment should fit the crime.
  • Extralegal Factors: Factors outside the law.
  • Parole Board: Decides prisoner release on parole.
  • Sheriff: Chief law enforcement officer of a county.
  • Local Government: Governmental bodies of cities, towns, counties, etc.
  • Preponderance of Evidence: Standard in civil cases, favoring party with more compelling evidence.
  • Policy: Set of guiding principles.
  • Politicized: Something becoming political in character.
  • Politics: Activities and public debates related to government.
  • Partisan Politics: Political decisions driven by party interests and ideology.
  • Court of Last Resort: Highest court with no further appeal.
  • Static: Unchanging (often used in relation to policies or systems)

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Description

Test your knowledge on the structure of the federal court system and the principles of federalism. This quiz covers essential concepts including the roles of the Supreme Court, Circuit Courts, and the relationship between federal and state powers. Dive into key cases and definitions that shape U.S. law.

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