America's Godly Heritage Video 16

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of the American Heritage Series?

To study the US Constitution

To learn about the history of the Supreme Court

To understand the role of the President in the US government

To rediscover America's forgotten history and its moral foundation (correct)

What did the Founding Fathers say about the judiciary?

They said it's the strongest branch of government

They said it's equal to the other two branches

They didn't mention the judiciary at all

They said it's the weakest branch of government (correct)

What is the role of the US Senate in appointing federal judges?

They have no role in the process

They appoint the judges

They elect the judges

They confirm the judges appointed by the President (correct)

What is 'forum-shopping' in the context of the judiciary?

The practice of finding a judge who will rule in your favor Signup and view all the answers

What do the Founding Fathers say about the judiciary's power?

They intended for the judiciary to have less power than the other branches Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of the federal judiciary?

Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, District Court Signup and view all the answers

How many judicial myths do the Founding Fathers say we widely believe in today?

At least five judicial myths Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the judiciary according to the Constitution?

To interpret laws Signup and view all the answers

How do judges get appointed in some states?

They are elected by the people Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the judiciary in the US government according to the Founding Fathers?

To interpret laws and ensure they align with the Constitution Signup and view all the answers

What was the original intention of the founders regarding the power and reach of the Supreme Court?

To have a limited role in shaping policy and no separate building. Signup and view all the answers

Where did the Supreme Court meet during its first century and a half?

In various committee rooms and library rooms in the Capitol. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Samuel Adams' complaints about the British judiciary?

Judges had lifetime appointments Signup and view all the answers

How many clauses in the Constitution enabled Congress to prevent lifetime appointments and unaccountable judges?

Six Signup and view all the answers

How long did the entire Supreme Court term last for the first 10 years of its existence?

Less than two weeks out of each year. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Federal Constitution say about the duration of judges' appointments?

Appointments for good behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is true about Article 3 of the Constitution?

It deals with the powers of the Supreme Court. Signup and view all the answers

When was a separate building built for the Supreme Court?

In 1935, nearly a century and a half after the Constitution was written. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of the phrase 'we the people' in the Constitution?

The people are in charge of all three branches Signup and view all the answers

What did the founders do 11 years after writing the Declaration of Independence?

Wrote the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What did the founding fathers say about the judiciary branch?

It is the weakest branch Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the length of the articles in the Constitution?

Article 1 is the longest, and Article 3 is the shortest. Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the Supreme Court's legal interpretations?

They are final and binding Signup and view all the answers

When did the Supreme Court begin to meet for nearly nine months out of each year?

In 1956, under the guidance of Chief Justice Earl Warren. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the branches of government according to the founding fathers?

The judiciary is the weakest branch and is controlled by the other two branches Signup and view all the answers

What did Samuel Adams and the Americans complain about with regards to British judges?

Lifetime appointments and unaccountability Signup and view all the answers

What did the founders do to address the issue of taxation without representation?

They required all taxes to originate in the House of Representatives. Signup and view all the answers

How long did the Supreme Court occupy the vacated Senate chambers?

For 50 years. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of the Constitution's provision for judges' appointments?

Judges are appointed for the duration of good behavior Signup and view all the answers

What did the author of the passage say about the Supreme Court's decisions?

They are equal to the Constitution Signup and view all the answers

Who was the third Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?

Oliver Ellsworth Signup and view all the answers

What did Oliver Ellsworth believe were the primary objects of government?

Peace, order, and prosperity of society Signup and view all the answers

According to Oliver Ellsworth, what institutions are eminently useful and important for promoting good morals?

Religious institutions Signup and view all the answers

What did the author of the text say is the best protector of minority rights?

The majority Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the 13th Amendment?

Abolition of slavery Signup and view all the answers

What was the original requirement for voting age in the United States?

21 years old Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's criticism of the Supreme Court?

It is not protective of minority rights Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's view on the role of the people in protecting minority rights?

The people are the best protectors of minority rights Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of the author's statement that 'we the people who know what we feel'?

The people have the power to elect representatives Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's view on the role of the Supreme Court in protecting minority rights?

The Supreme Court has not been good at protecting minority rights Signup and view all the answers

What was the fundamental principle of the Constitution, according to George Washington and Thomas Jefferson?

To ensure that the will of the majority shall prevail Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Supreme Court, according to the Constitution?

To protect the minority from the majority Signup and view all the answers

Who was appointed to the Supreme Court by President James Madison?

Joseph Story Signup and view all the answers

What was Joseph Story's view on the relationship between Christianity and civil government?

Christianity is a part of the common law Signup and view all the answers

What did the First Amendment prohibit, according to Joseph Story?

The establishment of a national religious establishment Signup and view all the answers

What was the general sentiment in America at the time of the adoption of the Constitution and the First Amendment?

That piety, religion, and morality are intimately connected with the well-being of the state Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Constitution, according to George Washington and Thomas Jefferson?

To ensure that the will of the majority shall prevail Signup and view all the answers

What did Joseph Story believe about the relationship between Christianity and American law?

Christianity is a part of the common law Signup and view all the answers

What was Joseph Story's view on the importance of Christianity to civil government?

Christianity is important to civil government Signup and view all the answers

What did the law recognize, according to Joseph Story?

The illegality of contracts offensive to Christianity's morals Signup and view all the answers

What was Abraham Lincoln's response to the US Supreme Court regarding slavery?

He declared slavery to be ended in Washington DC and issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Signup and view all the answers

What was John Quincy Adams doing when he appeared before the Supreme Court in 1841?

Arguing a case about a Spanish slave trading ship. Signup and view all the answers

Who appoints federal marshals?

The President. Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what is the relationship between federal marshals and the President?

Federal marshals work for the President and answer to the President. Signup and view all the answers

What did Andrew Jackson say in response to John Marshall's opinion?

That's your opinion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the La Amistad case?

It was a major slavery case argued by John Quincy Adams. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point of the passage?

The power of the Supreme Court is limited by the other branches of government. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of John Quincy Adams' final words before the Supreme Court?

He reminisced about his long life and career. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of the passage regarding the power of the judiciary?

The judiciary has limited power and is subject to checks by the other branches. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea of the passage regarding the relationship between the branches of government?

The branches of government are separate and equal. Signup and view all the answers

What was Joseph's belief regarding Christianity's influence in society?

It was necessary to support civil society Signup and view all the answers

What is the common misconception about the Supreme Court's decisions?

They are equal to law Signup and view all the answers

What do the Federalist Papers say about the capability of determining constitutionality?

All three branches of government can determine constitutionality Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of every Supreme Court decision?

The Opinion of the Court Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Supreme Court's opinion on constitutionality?

It is only one of many opinions Signup and view all the answers

What did some historical figures like Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln believe about the Supreme Court's opinion?

They believed it was dead wrong under the Constitution Signup and view all the answers

What is the common misconception about the judiciary's power?

It is supreme and above the law Signup and view all the answers

What do the Founding Fathers say about the relationship between the judiciary and the other branches of government?

They are separate and distinct Signup and view all the answers

What would happen if Congress passed a law that the Supreme Court deemed unconstitutional?

Congress would revisit and change the law Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase 'all power emanates from this building' in the context of the US Supreme Court?

It is a misconception about the role of the judiciary Signup and view all the answers

Samuel Adams was one of the leaders in complaining about the British judiciary in 1775.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Constitution allows lifetime appointments of judges.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Founding Fathers intended for the judiciary to be one of the three co-equal branches of government.

False Signup and view all the answers

The legal interpretations of the Supreme Court are not the final determiner of policies affecting American citizens' daily lives.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Constitution allows Congress to prevent lifetime appointments and unaccountable judges through six clauses.

True Signup and view all the answers

The Federal Constitution says that judges have lifetime appointments.

False Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'we the people' in the Constitution implies that the people are in charge of all three branches of government.

True Signup and view all the answers

The Founding Fathers intended for the judiciary to be accountable to the people.

True Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court's decisions are equivalent to the Constitution.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Constitution provides a way to change judicial decisions without having to amend the Constitution.

True Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court was intended to be the weakest branch of the US government.

True Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court has the final say in the laws that affect the daily lives of American citizens.

True Signup and view all the answers

The Constitution states that judges have lifetime appointments.

False Signup and view all the answers

The judiciary is equal to the other two branches of government in terms of power.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Constitution says that the judiciary is accountable to the people.

True Signup and view all the answers

The judiciary has the power to make policies and laws.

False Signup and view all the answers

Judges are elected by the people in all states.

False Signup and view all the answers

The judiciary has two levels: federal and state.

True Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court's decisions are always final and cannot be appealed.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Founding Fathers intended for the judiciary to be a policymaking body.

False Signup and view all the answers

George Washington and Thomas Jefferson believed that the will of the majority should prevail in policy making.

True Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court's purpose is to protect the rights of the majority.

False Signup and view all the answers

Joseph Story was appointed to the Supreme Court by President Thomas Jefferson.

False Signup and view all the answers

The First Amendment prohibits the establishment of a national religion.

True Signup and view all the answers

Joseph Story believed that Christianity and American law were separate entities.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Constitution's purpose is to ensure the will of the minority prevails in policy making.

False Signup and view all the answers

Joseph Story was committed to the principles of Christianity throughout his legal career.

True Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court was designed to protect the rights of the majority.

False Signup and view all the answers

Joseph Story believed that the law should be separated from Christian principles.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Constitution's purpose is to ensure the protection of minority rights.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court met in a separate building from the beginning of its existence.

False Signup and view all the answers

The founders of the US intended for the Supreme Court to have a major role in shaping policy in the nation.

False Signup and view all the answers

The entire Supreme Court term lasted for nearly nine months out of each year during its first 10 years.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Constitution prohibits taxation without representation.

True Signup and view all the answers

The founders of the US wrote the Declaration of Independence 11 years before writing the Constitution.

True Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court bounced around from location to location during its first century and a half.

True Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court was designed to be a self-policing body.

False Signup and view all the answers

Article 1 of the Constitution is the shortest of the three articles.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court met for six to eight weeks a year during its first 50 years.

True Signup and view all the answers

The founders of the US intended for the judiciary to be the primary source of justice.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court finally found a permanent home in the basement of the US Senate.

True Signup and view all the answers

Oliver Ellsworth was the second Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

False Signup and view all the answers

According to Oliver Ellsworth, good morals are essential for the promotion of peace, order, and prosperity in society.

True Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court is the best protector of minority rights.

False Signup and view all the answers

The 13th Amendment to the Constitution was passed by a simple majority in Congress.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Constitution originally set the minimum voting age at 18.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court has consistently protected minority rights throughout history.

False Signup and view all the answers

Oliver Ellsworth believed that the legislature should not aid or protect religious institutions.

False Signup and view all the answers

The author believes that the Supreme Court is the most important protector of minority rights.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Constitution was written to protect the rights of the majority.

False Signup and view all the answers

The author believes that the Supreme Court has the final say in interpreting the Constitution.

False Signup and view all the answers

Abraham Lincoln ended slavery in Washington DC.

True Signup and view all the answers

John Quincy Adams argued a case before the Supreme Court in 1841.

True Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court has the power to enforce its opinions.

False Signup and view all the answers

Federal marshals work for federal judges.

False Signup and view all the answers

Andrew Jackson believed the Supreme Court's opinions were binding.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Constitution gives the Supreme Court the power to make laws.

False Signup and view all the answers

Congress can appropriate funds to enforce Supreme Court decisions.

True Signup and view all the answers

The President appoints federal judges, but they answer to the Supreme Court.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court has the final say in interpreting the Constitution.

True Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court can declare laws passed by Congress unconstitutional.

True Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court is the final determiner of the policies that affect the daily lives of American citizens.

False Signup and view all the answers

Joseph Story believed that Christianity should be excluded from the government's fear and the public arena.

False Signup and view all the answers

The title of every single Supreme Court decision since 1789 says 'The Law of the Court'.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court is the only branch of government that can determine constitutionality.

False Signup and view all the answers

The founding fathers intended for the Supreme Court to have more power than the other branches of government.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court's decisions are always considered law and are never questioned by the other branches of government.

False Signup and view all the answers

The judiciary is the most in-touch branch of government with the average person.

False Signup and view all the answers

The founding fathers believed that the Supreme Court's opinions were equal to law.

False Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court has the final say in determining the constitutionality of laws.

False Signup and view all the answers

The founding fathers intended for the Supreme Court to be the highest power in the land.

False Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Supreme Court's Role

The Supreme Court's rulings have deviated from the original intent of the Founding Fathers.
The Court's power has grown, and its decisions are now seen as the final determiner of policies affecting American citizens.

The Founding Fathers' Intent

The Founding Fathers saw the judiciary as the weakest branch of government, intended to be controlled by the other two.
They believed that judges should not have lifetime appointments and should be accountable to the people.
The Constitution was designed to ensure that the will of the people prevails, not to protect the minority from the majority.

The Structure of the Judiciary

The judiciary exists at two levels: federal and state.
Federal judges are appointed by the President and confirmed by the US Senate, while state judges are either appointed by the governor or elected by the people.
There are multiple levels of courts, with the Supreme Court being the highest.

The Founding Fathers' Views on Judges

Samuel Adams was one of the leaders who complained about the British judicial system, citing lifetime appointments and unaccountability to the people.
The Founding Fathers gave Congress tools to prevent judges from having lifetime appointments and being unaccountable.
The Constitution does not provide for three co-equal branches of government; instead, the judiciary is meant to be the weakest.

Historical Figures

Oliver Ellsworth, the third Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, believed that the legislature should support religious institutions and promote good morals.
Joseph Story, a US congressman and Supreme Court Justice, was committed to the principles of Christianity and believed that American law and legal practices should not be separated from Christian principles.

The Role of the Majority

The best protector of minority rights is the majority, as seen in the abolition of slavery and the granting of women's suffrage.
The majority has consistently defended minority rights, better than the courts have.

Constitutional Amendments

The Constitution has been amended to protect minority rights, such as the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery and the 19th Amendment to grant women's suffrage.
The Constitution was designed to ensure that the will of the people prevails, not to give the Supreme Court final authority.### Separation of Powers
The founding fathers intended to separate powers among the three branches of government, but over time, the judiciary has gained more power than intended.

The Supreme Court's Power

The Supreme Court's decisions are labeled as "the opinion of the Court," not "the law of the Court."
The Court's opinions are not necessarily law; they are subject to interpretation and can be overridden by the other branches.

The Founding Fathers' Intent

The founding fathers believed that all three branches of government are capable of determining constitutionality.
The president, Congress, and the courts are all sworn to uphold the Constitution and can interpret its meaning.

Presidential Disagreement with the Court

Presidents like Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln have disagreed with the Supreme Court's opinions and refused to enforce them.
Jackson, in particular, went against the Court's decision, ending slavery in Washington D.C. despite the Court's opposition.

The Case of La Amistad

In 1841, John Quincy Adams argued the case of La Amistad, a Spanish slave trading ship, before the Supreme Court.
Adams reminisced about his life and offered a prayer for the justices, highlighting the changes he had seen during his long life.

The Limits of the Judiciary

The courts can render decisions, but they do not have the power to enforce them; that power lies with the executive branch.
Federal marshals, who are responsible for enforcing court orders, answer to the president, not the courts.

Congressional Oversight

Congress can limit the judiciary's power by withholding funding for certain actions, such as removing the Ten Commandments from courthouses.

Rediscovering American Heritage

To restore the balance of power, Americans must rediscover their heritage and understand the original intentions of the founding fathers.
By studying history and the Constitution, Americans can take back control and limit the judiciary's power.

The Supreme Court's Role

The Supreme Court's rulings have deviated from the original intent of the Founding Fathers.
The Court's power has grown, and its decisions are now seen as the final determiner of policies affecting American citizens.

The Founding Fathers' Intent

The Founding Fathers saw the judiciary as the weakest branch of government, intended to be controlled by the other two.
They believed that judges should not have lifetime appointments and should be accountable to the people.
The Constitution was designed to ensure that the will of the people prevails, not to protect the minority from the majority.

The Structure of the Judiciary

The judiciary exists at two levels: federal and state.
Federal judges are appointed by the President and confirmed by the US Senate, while state judges are either appointed by the governor or elected by the people.
There are multiple levels of courts, with the Supreme Court being the highest.

The Founding Fathers' Views on Judges

Samuel Adams was one of the leaders who complained about the British judicial system, citing lifetime appointments and unaccountability to the people.
The Founding Fathers gave Congress tools to prevent judges from having lifetime appointments and being unaccountable.
The Constitution does not provide for three co-equal branches of government; instead, the judiciary is meant to be the weakest.

Historical Figures

Oliver Ellsworth, the third Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, believed that the legislature should support religious institutions and promote good morals.
Joseph Story, a US congressman and Supreme Court Justice, was committed to the principles of Christianity and believed that American law and legal practices should not be separated from Christian principles.

The Role of the Majority

The best protector of minority rights is the majority, as seen in the abolition of slavery and the granting of women's suffrage.
The majority has consistently defended minority rights, better than the courts have.

Constitutional Amendments

The Constitution has been amended to protect minority rights, such as the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery and the 19th Amendment to grant women's suffrage.
The Constitution was designed to ensure that the will of the people prevails, not to give the Supreme Court final authority.### Separation of Powers
The founding fathers intended to separate powers among the three branches of government, but over time, the judiciary has gained more power than intended.

The Supreme Court's Power

The Supreme Court's decisions are labeled as "the opinion of the Court," not "the law of the Court."
The Court's opinions are not necessarily law; they are subject to interpretation and can be overridden by the other branches.

The Founding Fathers' Intent

The founding fathers believed that all three branches of government are capable of determining constitutionality.
The president, Congress, and the courts are all sworn to uphold the Constitution and can interpret its meaning.

Presidential Disagreement with the Court

Presidents like Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln have disagreed with the Supreme Court's opinions and refused to enforce them.
Jackson, in particular, went against the Court's decision, ending slavery in Washington D.C. despite the Court's opposition.

The Case of La Amistad

In 1841, John Quincy Adams argued the case of La Amistad, a Spanish slave trading ship, before the Supreme Court.
Adams reminisced about his life and offered a prayer for the justices, highlighting the changes he had seen during his long life.

The Limits of the Judiciary

The courts can render decisions, but they do not have the power to enforce them; that power lies with the executive branch.
Federal marshals, who are responsible for enforcing court orders, answer to the president, not the courts.

Congressional Oversight

Congress can limit the judiciary's power by withholding funding for certain actions, such as removing the Ten Commandments from courthouses.

Rediscovering American Heritage

To restore the balance of power, Americans must rediscover their heritage and understand the original intentions of the founding fathers.
By studying history and the Constitution, Americans can take back control and limit the judiciary's power.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Discover the role and authority of the Supreme Court and the judicial branch of the US government, and how it differs from its intended purpose. Explore the surprising history of the American heritage series.