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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the Supreme Court in the United States?
Which branch of government has the authority to determine the constitutionality of laws and actions?
In which landmark case did the Supreme Court establish the concept of judicial review?
Which of the following is NOT one of the three branches of government in the U.S. as outlined in the Constitution?
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What fundamental principle is embodied by dividing governmental authority into three distinct branches?
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What is the purpose of the Supreme Court serving as a check on the legislative and executive branches?
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Which method of constitutional interpretation looks to the intent of the framers?
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How does the Supreme Court participate in the principle of checks and balances?
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Which landmark case legalized abortion nationwide?
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In what case did the Supreme Court uphold most provisions of the Affordable Care Act?
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Study Notes
Supreme Court: A Pillar of American Law and Government
As the highest judicial body in the United States, the Supreme Court plays a critical role in our system of governance. Its decisions not only shape American law but also reflect the balance of power among the three branches of government, ensuring that each branch remains within its constitutional bounds. This article will delve into the Supreme Court's core functions, including judicial review, separation of powers, constitutional interpretation, checks and balances, and some of the landmark cases that have defined our nation's legal history.
Judicial Review
Judicial review is the power of the courts to determine the constitutionality of laws and actions of the government. The Supreme Court has the final say in cases involving federal constitutional law, giving it the authority to declare acts of Congress or executive actions as unconstitutional if they violate the U.S. Constitution. The concept was established by the landmark case Marbury v. Madison (1803), in which the Court held that it has the right to review the constitutionality of acts of Congress, in this case, the Judiciary Act of 1789.
Separation of Powers
The separation of powers is a fundamental principle in the U.S. Constitution, which divides governmental authority into three distinct branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. Each branch has its own specific duties and powers. The Supreme Court, as part of the judiciary, serves as a check on the legislative and executive branches by ruling on the constitutionality of their actions. This separation of powers helps prevent the consolidation of too much power in one branch, thereby protecting individual liberties and the democratic process.
Constitutional Interpretation
The Supreme Court's role in constitutional interpretation is crucial, as it must decide how the Constitution should be applied to modern legal issues. The Court applies various interpretive methods, such as originalism, which looks to the intent of the framers, and living constitutionalism, which emphasizes the Constitution's flexibility to adapt to changing societal norms. The Court's decisions on constitutional interpretation have significant impacts on our nation's laws, such as Brown v. Board of Education (1954), which declared racial segregation in public schools to be unconstitutional.
Checks and Balances
The principle of checks and balances refers to the interdependence among the three branches of government, which helps prevent the concentration of power in one branch. The Supreme Court participates in this system by serving as a check on the legislative and executive branches through judicial review. For instance, the Supreme Court reviewed and ruled on the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) in National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius (2012), upholding most of the law's provisions.
Landmark Cases
Several landmark cases illustrate the Supreme Court's role in shaping American law and government. These cases include:
- Marbury v. Madison (1803), which established judicial review.
- Brown v. Board of Education (1954), which declared racial segregation in public schools to be unconstitutional.
- Roe v. Wade (1973), which legalized abortion nationwide.
- Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010), which expanded the rights of corporations to contribute to political campaigns.
- National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius (2012), which upheld most of the provisions of the ACA.
Through these landmark cases and others, the Supreme Court has played a vital role in American life, demonstrating the importance of the judiciary in our system of government. As the Court continues to decide cases and create precedents, it will remain a crucial factor in shaping the future of our nation.
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Description
Explore the core functions and significance of the Supreme Court in American law and government. Learn about judicial review, separation of powers, constitutional interpretation, and landmark cases that have shaped the legal landscape of the United States.
