The Judicial Branch Overview

What power allows the Supreme Court to determine the constitutionality of government actions?

Which case established the principle of Judicial Review?

In the context of the judicial branch, what does the term 'plaintiff' refer to?

What does exclusive jurisdiction refer to in the context of federal courts?

How many justices currently make up the conservative majority in the Supreme Court?

The Judicial Branch

The Constitution established the Supreme Court and designated Congress to create lower courts.
The U.S. has two court systems: federal and state.

Powers of the Judicial Branch

Interprets laws.
Determines constitutionality (Judicial Review).
Resolves disputes among citizens, companies, states, and the federal government.

The Supreme Court

Judicial Review, the power to evaluate the constitutionality of government actions, was established through Marbury v. Madison.
The Supreme Court's decisions are based on the Constitution as the supreme law of the land, and no legislative acts are above it.
Judges are constitutionally obligated to uphold the Constitution.

Court Vocabulary

Exclusive jurisdiction: Cases only heard in federal courts (e.g., cases involving federal officials).
Appellate jurisdiction: Cases heard on appeal from lower courts.
Plaintiff: The person or entity filing a lawsuit.
Defendant: The person or entity against whom the lawsuit is filed.

Federal Judges 2024

A conservative 6-3 majority.

Explore the structure and functions of the judicial branch of the U.S. government. This quiz covers the Supreme Court, judicial powers, and important legal vocabulary like exclusive and appellate jurisdiction. Test your knowledge on how the judiciary interprets laws and resolves disputes.