Judicial Branch Overview

Questions and Answers

Which would most likely fall under the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?

A case between two states (correct)

A case appealing a lower court's decision

A case between private citizens

A case involving a federal law

Which statement best describes how the structure of the judicial branch affects its interpretation of the Constitution?

Only the Supreme Court interprets the Constitution.

It leads to a single interpretation of the Constitution.

The system of federal courts and a Supreme Court may give the judicial branch multiple opportunities to interpret the Constitution. (correct)

State courts have no role in interpreting the Constitution.

An unanswered constitutional question about the judicial branch involves?

what 'good behavior' means, with regard to judicial terms.

Which explains a difference between an original case and appellate case that the Supreme Court hears?

An appellate case has been heard by a lower court, while an original case has not. Signup and view all the answers

People who make judgments in lower federal courts are called?

judges Signup and view all the answers

The diagram shows one way that cases reach the Supreme Court. The diagram is an example of?

appellate jurisdiction. Signup and view all the answers

Appellate jurisdiction refers to?

the Supreme Court's authority to hear a case from a lower court. Signup and view all the answers

Which explains why the Constitution gave Congress the power to create a system of federal courts?

The Constitution anticipated the need for courts lower than the Supreme Court. Signup and view all the answers

The selection of federal judges by the executive branch is an example of?

checks and balances. Signup and view all the answers

Under which jurisdiction would further review of a federal court decision fall under?

appellate Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Original Jurisdiction

Original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court includes cases between two states, allowing the Court to hear such disputes directly.

Judicial Branch Structure

The federal court system, including the Supreme Court, provides numerous opportunities for interpreting the Constitution, thereby impacting judicial decision-making.

Constitutional Question

A significant unresolved constitutional issue regarding the judicial branch is the definition of "good behavior" pertaining to judges' terms.

Case Types

Original cases, which are heard by the Supreme Court for the first time, differ from appellate cases that have previously been decided by lower courts.

Lower Federal Court Judgments

Individuals who deliver rulings and judgments in lower federal courts are referred to as judges.

Jurisdiction Types

The diagram in the context illustrates appellate jurisdiction, indicating the process by which cases can escalate to the Supreme Court.

Definition of Appellate Jurisdiction

Appellate jurisdiction is defined as the authority of the Supreme Court to review and make decisions on cases that have been previously decided by lower courts.

Congressional Power for Federal Courts

The Constitution grants Congress the authority to establish a federal court system, acknowledging the necessity for courts subordinate to the Supreme Court.

Checks and Balances

The process of selecting federal judges by the executive branch exemplifies the principle of checks and balances inherent in the U.S. government.

Further Review

Further reviews of decisions made by federal courts fall under appellate jurisdiction, allowing higher courts to reassess previous rulings.

Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of the judicial branch, including the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and the structure of the federal court system. This quiz covers important topics such as case types and unresolved constitutional questions about judges. Test your knowledge on how these elements shape judicial decision-making.