Questions and Answers
What is the primary job of the judicial branch of government?
Interprets the laws
Who is considered to be at the top of the judicial branch of government?
The nine justices of the Supreme Court
Why did it seem as if the judicial branch was set up to take a backseat to the other two branches of government?
They failed to say
What happened in 1789 that impacted the judicial branch?
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Since 1869, what is the set number of Supreme Court justices?
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Who decided how the judicial branch was set up?
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What odd thing happened in 1800, and what did that show about the importance of the judicial branch at that time?
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What is judicial review?
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Fletcher v. Peck did what important thing for the judicial branch?
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How are federal judges nominated and confirmed?
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Why are most federal judges appointed for life?
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Can federal judges be removed from their appointment?
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What court system is directly below the Supreme Court?
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What controversial court case was ruled on in 1857, and what did this court case rule?
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What did Plessy v. Ferguson rule?
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What important court case happened in 1966, and what was the impact of this case?
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What impact did Bush v. Gore have on the United States?
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Study Notes
Judicial Branch Overview
- Primary role is to interpret laws and ensure their application aligns with the Constitution.
- Composed of federal courts, with the Supreme Court at its apex.
Supreme Court Structure
- The judicial branch is led by the nine justices of the Supreme Court.
- Since 1869, the number of Supreme Court justices has remained fixed at nine.
- The framers of the Constitution left the organization and powers of the Supreme Court to Congress.
Historical Context
- The Judiciary Act of 1789 established the federal court system.
- In 1800, the limited power assigned to the judiciary emphasized its secondary role compared to legislative and executive branches.
Judicial Review
- Judicial review is the authority to evaluate the constitutionality of laws, allowing the courts to declare laws void if they are found unconstitutional.
- Landmark case Fletcher v. Peck expanded judicial review by striking down a state law.
Federal Judges
- Federal judges are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, promoting a system of checks and balances.
- They serve lifetime appointments to maintain independence and shield them from political influences.
- Federal judges can be removed through impeachment by the House of Representatives and conviction by the Senate.
Court System Hierarchy
- The Court of Appeals operates directly under the Supreme Court, handling appeals from lower courts.
Significant Court Cases
- Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) ruled that a slave was not a citizen and Congress lacked the authority to outlaw slavery.
- Plessy v. Ferguson established the legality of segregation in public places.
- Miranda v. Arizona (1966) mandated that police must inform defendants of their rights prior to interrogation.
- Bush v. Gore highlighted the necessity for a uniform procedure in ballot counting during recounts.
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Test your knowledge of the judicial branch of government with these flashcards. Learn about its primary job, the Supreme Court, and its perceived role among other branches. Perfect for students looking to grasp the functions and importance of this branch.