AP Ch. 14 - The Courts

Article III of the Constitution established the U.S. Supreme Court. Why does this article refer to this court as "supreme?"

• It hears more cases than any other court.
• It has authority over all other courts in the United States.
• Its officers are appointed by the President of the United States.
• It has authority over both the executive and legislative branches.

Why do federal judges enjoy lifetime tenure?

• to ensure the system of checks and balances
• to strengthen their jurisdiction over state courts
• to limit the power of the legislative and executive branches
• to maintain their independence from political and popular pressures

An oil barge belonging to the State of Alabama has a massive oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico. The leaked oil damages the beautiful beaches of Destin, Panama City, and Fort Walton. The oil also endangers the shrimp and crab industry of Florida. The State of Florida sues the State of Alabama. Which court has jurisdiction over the case?

• U.S. Supreme Court
• Florida Supreme Court
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida

How does an appellate court differ from a trial court?

• An appellate court usually has a jury.
• An appellate court decides issues of fact.
• An appellate court examines more witnesses.
• An appellate court reviews another court's decision.

The Rio Grande forms the international border between Texas and Mexico. Over the years, the Rio Grande has changed its course several times. This has led to a number of disputes between Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico. The Country Club dispute between Texas and New Mexico was decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1927. Why did the Supreme Court exercise original jurisdiction over this case?

• The case involved federal law.
• The case was between several states as parties.
• The case was between citizens of different states.
• The case involved foreign ambassadors, public ministers, and consuls.

Which are the only federal courts to have juries?

• U.S. District Courts
• U.S. Supreme Court
• U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
• U.S. District Court of Appeals

What step can a party immediately take once it loses its case in U.S. District Court?

• It can appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court
• It can appeal to the Florida Supreme Court.
• It can appeal to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
• It can appeal to the Florida District Court of Appeals.

How do the Justices of the Supreme Court communicate their decisions?

• News agencies televise the Justices' voting as it happens.
• The Justices cast a secret ballot and issue each decision without comment.
• As soon as oral argument ends, the Justices vote and announce their decision.
• Once a decision is reached, one Justice writes a majority opinion while others may write dissenting opinions.

The headline in a newspaper reads, "U.S. Supreme Court Justice Impeached." Which statement would most likely follow this headline?

• "Justice discovered to be ruling on cases solely to win votes."
• "Justice found to be opposing the President's view on the case."
• "Justice accused of accepting secret payments from a party in the case."
• "Justice committed treason by ruling in favor of foreign consul against the United States."

In which case did the U.S Supreme Court rule that the Florida Supreme Court's plan for recounting ballots violated the Equal Protections Clause in the 14th Amendment?

• Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier
• Gideon v. Wainwright
• U.S v. Nixon
• Bush v. Gore