Judical Branch
How many justices currently sit on the U.S. Supreme Court (one Chief Justice plus how many Associate Justices)?
One Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices (total of nine).
Which court in Florida handles smaller civil disputes and minor criminal cases (trial-level court)?
Florida County Court.
Which 1966 Supreme Court case required police to inform suspects of their right to remain silent and the right to an attorney?
Miranda v. Arizona.
Which type of law deals with disputes between private parties and may result in damages being paid?
Civil law.
What amendment abolished slavery in the U.S.
13th
What is a "writ of certiorari" (often just called "cert.")?
An order by the Supreme Court agreeing to hear a case from a lower court.
Which Florida court handles major civil cases, serious criminal cases, and family law matters — and often holds jury trials?
Florida Circuit Court.
Which 1803 case established the principle of judicial review for the U.S. Supreme Court?
Marbury v. Madison.
Which type of written law is passed by legislatures and codified in statutes (for example, 42 U.S. Code § 1983)?
Statutory law.
If a punishment does not fit the crime and is to harsh, what amendment protects the people?
8th
How can the judicial branch check the President?
By ruling that presidential actions or executive orders are unconstitutional (judicial review), and by interpreting laws that limit executive power.
What court hears appeals from trial courts and reviews whether legal errors occurred during the trial?
Appellate courts
Which 1857 Supreme Court case was criticized because it declared enslaved people to be property rather than citizens?
Dred Scott v. Sandford.
What is "common law"?
Law developed from judicial decisions and precedent (case law).
What three areas are covered in 5th amendment?
Miranda Rights
Plead the 5th-protection against self-incrimination
Double Jeopardy
What does it mean for the judiciary to be "independent"?
What does it mean for the judiciary to be "independent"?
Which court is at the top of the state court system and has final authority on state law questions that are not federal issues?
Florida Supreme Court.
Which 1974 case limited the idea of absolute presidential privilege and required the President to comply with a subpoena in a criminal trial?
United States v. Nixon.
Name one historical code of law listed in the checkpoint that helped establish written rules for societies.
Code of Hammurabi or Magna Carta
Name the five freedoms in 1st Amendment?
RAPPS
Religion, Assembly, Press, Petition, Speech
Explain how the writ of certiorari, the size of the Court, judicial review, and judicial independence work together to shape the Supreme Court’s role in the federal government.
The writ of certiorari lets the Court select important cases; the nine-justice structure allows majority, concurring, and dissenting opinions; judicial review enables the Court to check the President and Congress by declaring actions unconstitutional; and judicial independence helps ensure decisions are based on law, not politics—
Fill in the missing court in this sequence: Florida County Court → Florida Circuit Court → ? → Florida Supreme Court.
Which 1967 Supreme Court decision extended important due process rights to juveniles, such as notice of charges and the right to counsel?
In re Gault.
What kind of law deals with rights of the accused?
Criminal law
Who was protected when the 24th amendment was added to the constitution?
Poll tax removal protected the civil liberties of the economically disadvantaged.