The Basics
What is the main job of the Judicial Branch?
interpret laws
What are the three main levels of the federal court system?
District Courts, Appeals Courts, Supreme Court.
How many Justices serve on the Supreme Court?
Nine
What is the name of the power that lets the courts decide if laws follow the Constitution?
Judicial Review
The case Texas v. Johnson decided that burning the flag is ____________.
Constitutional
The Judicial Branch was created by which article of the Constitution?
Article III
District Courts are the ____________ courts where cases start.
First (or trial)
Who leads the Supreme Court?
The Chief Justice
What can the Supreme Court do if a law goes against the Constitution?
Strike it down or declare it unconstitutional.
What document is known as the “supreme law of the land”?
The Constitution
How many main branches of government are there?
Three
Appeals Courts review decisions made by ____________ courts.
Lower courts
Who appoints Supreme Court Justices?
The President
Federal judges are ____________ and not elected by the people.
Appointed
What word describes a baby wolf’s home — or a judge’s office?
A den — but in law, it’s called “chambers.”
Where is the Supreme Court located?
Washington D.C.
How many regional Appeals Courts are there in the U.S.?
13
Who confirms Supreme Court Justices after the President appoints them?
The Senate
Why are judges appointed for life?
So they can make fair decisions without worrying about politics
What do we call the power of the Supreme Court to make final decisions?
The highest authority in the U.S. legal system
What building does the Supreme Court meet in?
The Supreme Court Building
What type of cases does the Supreme Court usually hear?
Big or important questions about the law
How long do Supreme Court Justices serve?
For life
What is the main job of the Judicial Branch regarding laws?
To interpret and apply laws fairly
What is a “Justice”?
A judge who serves on the Supreme Court.