Supreme Court
How many justices serve on the U.S. Supreme Court?
9
Which case ended racial segregation in public schools?
Brown v. Board of Education
What branch does the Judicial Branch check when it strikes down unconstitutional laws?
The Legislative Branch
What is the highest court in the United States?
The U.S. Supreme Court
What is the term for a written explanation of a court’s decision?
An opinion
What is the title of the leader of the Supreme Court?
The Chief Justice
Which case ruled that suspects must be informed of their rights?
Miranda v. Arizona
What branch is checked when the Court rules an executive action unconstitutional?
The Executive Branch
What courts are directly below the Supreme Court?
U.S. Courts of Appeals (Circuit Courts)
What is the term for the group of people who bring a case to court?
Plaintiffs
What power allows the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional?
Judicial Review
Which case ruled that evidence taken without a proper warrant cannot be used in court?
Mapp v. Ohio
What is the power to interpret the meaning of the Constitution called?
Constitutional interpretation
What courts handle trials with witnesses and evidence?
U.S. District Courts
What does “appeal” mean?
Asking a higher court to review a lower court's decision
How does a justice get their position on the Supreme Court?
They are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
Which case guaranteed the right to a lawyer for people who can’t afford one?
Gideon v. Wainwright
What does the term “precedent” mean in court decisions?
Using past rulings to guide current cases
How many U.S. Courts of Appeals circuits exist?
13
What is a “writ of certiorari”?
An order for a lower court to send a case to the Supreme Court
Why do Supreme Court justices serve for life?
To keep them independent from political pressure.
Which case strengthened judicial review by declaring part of a federal law unconstitutional for the first time?
Marbury v. Madison
Why is judicial review important to the U.S. government? (DOUBLE JEPARDY)
It lets the courts strike down unconstitutional laws and protects people’s rights.
What type of jurisdiction does the Supreme Court mostly have?
Appellate jurisdiction
What is “constitutional law”?
Laws based on the interpretation of the Constitution