Judicial Branch Overview Flashcards

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?

The Judiciary Act came out Signup and view all the answers

Since 1869, what is the set number of Supreme Court justices?

9 Signup and view all the answers

Who decided how the judicial branch was set up?

The framers of the Constitution left it up to Congress. Signup and view all the answers

What odd thing happened in 1800, and what did that show about the importance of the judicial branch at that time?

The judiciary branch was a system of federal courts; it interpreted laws. Signup and view all the answers

What is judicial review?

The process of deciding whether a law is constitutional or not, declaring the law void. Signup and view all the answers

Fletcher v. Peck did what important thing for the judicial branch?

The Supreme Court effectively expanded its right of judicial review by striking down a state law. Signup and view all the answers

How are federal judges nominated and confirmed?

The President nominates all federal judges and the Senate confirms them. Signup and view all the answers

Why are most federal judges appointed for life?

To ensure their independence and immunity from political pressure. Signup and view all the answers

Can federal judges be removed from their appointment?

True Signup and view all the answers

What court system is directly below the Supreme Court?

Court of appeals Signup and view all the answers

What controversial court case was ruled on in 1857, and what did this court case rule?

Dred Scott v. Sandford ruled that a slave was not a citizen and Congress could not outlaw slavery. Signup and view all the answers

What did Plessy v. Ferguson rule?

Segregation in public places was legal. Signup and view all the answers

What important court case happened in 1966, and what was the impact of this case?

Miranda v. Arizona required police to inform criminal suspects of their rights before questioning them. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did Bush v. Gore have on the United States?

It highlighted the importance of having a set uniform procedure for hand counting ballots in the event of a recount. Signup and view all the answers

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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Description

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.