Structure of the Supreme Court
How many justices are there on the Supreme Court?
9
In Brown v. Board of Education (1954), the Supreme Court ruled that...
Segregation is unconstitutional (overturned Plessy v. Ferguson).
What is an unofficial requirement to be a federal judge?
Ivy League degree, clerked for a judge, other forms of experience (e.g., served as a lower-level judge).
The Legislative Branch checks the Judicial Branch by...
Confirming or rejecting judicial appointments, passing amendments, impeaching judges.
Which type of legal jurisdiction is the right to hear the case for the first time?
Original jurisdiction
What is the highest court in the United States?
The Supreme Court
Which landmark Supreme Court decision decided that "separate was equal" when discussing the legality of Segregation?
Plessy v. Ferguson
What are the constitutional requirements to become a Supreme Court Justice?
There are no constitutional requirements
The Judicial Branch checks the Executive Branch by...
Reviewing executive actions for constitutionality
Previous court decisions used to determine future court decisions are called...
Precedents
Which article in the Constitution created our federal court system and the Supreme Court?
Article III
What landmark Supreme Court decision established the power of judicial review?
Marbury v. Madison
How long can a justice serve on the Supreme Court?
They serve for LIFE
The only way for Congress to challenge a decision of the Supreme Court is by...
Passing constitutional amendments
Why do we APPOINT our judges instead of electing them?
To protect them from political pressure
What title is given to the head of the Supreme Court?
Chief Justice
In Texas v. Johnson what did the Supreme Court rule about burning the American Flag?
It is a form of political expression, and thus protected by our First Amendment rights
Republican presidents will be more likely to appoint ________ justices. Democratic presidents will be more likely to appoint ________ justices.
Conservative; progressive/liberal
The President can influence the courts by...
Appointed judges who share similar beliefs/ideologies.
What do we mean when we refer to a court's "jurisdiction"?
The authority of a court to hear and decide a case
What does it mean for a judge to be acting in "good behavior"?
Judges can serve for life, as long as they do not commit any serious crimes.
In Riley v. California, what precedent was established regarding police officers searching through phones.
They need a warrant or expressed consent to search through our phones.
What is it called when a nominee is asked questions by the Senate about why they should be a Supreme Court justice?
Confirmation hearing
What happens if a federal judge acts unethically or commits a serious crime?
They can be impeached and removed by Congress
What is the name of the building that the Supreme Court meets in?
The Supreme Court building