Supreme Court Functions and Jurisdiction Quiz

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz

Study Flashcards

Spaced Repetition

Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is one primary way the Supreme Court checks the powers of the other branches of government?

By issuing public opinions on legislation
By ruling acts of Congress unconstitutional (correct)
By summoning government officials for questioning
By finding executive agreements unconstitutional

What event initiated the Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison?

A direct appeal from a state governor
An injunction against a federal statute
The Supreme Court's decision on a taxation issue
Outgoing officials attempted to influence the judiciary (correct)

In which scenario does the Supreme Court have original jurisdiction?

Appeals from lower court rulings
Cases where ambassadors are involved (correct)
Cases involving international business treaties
Disputes between private citizens

Why might the unelected nature of the Supreme Court be viewed as democratic?

<p>They are appointed by elected officials, thus representing the electorate indirectly (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which step in Supreme Court decision-making follows the oral arguments?

<p>Meeting in conference to deliberate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Supreme Court's Check on other Branches

The Supreme Court can declare laws passed by Congress or actions taken by the President unconstitutional, acting as a check on their powers.

Marbury v. Madison Origins

The case arose from an attempt by outgoing Federalists to appoint new judges, leading to a dispute over the delivery of commissions for these appointments.

Supreme Court Jurisdiction

The Supreme Court primarily hears appeals from lower courts, but can hear cases involving disputes between states, accusations against ambassadors, or other unique situations in original jurisdiction.

Supreme Court Decision-Making

Supreme Court decisions are made after reviewing legal briefs, hearing oral arguments, and holding internal discussions among justices. The majority opinion, possibly alongside concurring and dissenting ones, explains the final ruling.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Supreme Court Democracy

While appointed, not elected, the Supreme Court's justices are appointed by the President, confirmed by the Senate, who are elected by the public, making the system indirectly democratic.

Signup and view all the flashcards