AP Gov: 2.9 Legitimacy of the Judicial Branch

What does the term 'stare decisis' mean?

• To overrule a decision

• To follow the president's orders

• To challenge the existing law

• To stand by decided matters

Answer explanation

Its like following your grandma's recipe when baking cookies. You stick with what has been proven successful in the past instead of experimenting with new ingredients each time you bake.

Why is the principle of stare decisis important in the legal system?

• It promotes stability and predictability

• It allows for rapid changes in law

• It ensures the president's power over the judiciary

• It encourages judges to ignore outdated laws

Can the Supreme Court overrule previous decisions?

• Yes, but only with presidential approval

• No, it can never change past decisions

• No, it must always follow lower court decisions

• Yes, it has the power to set new precedents

How does the ideology of Supreme Court justices impact their decision-making?

• It is prohibited by law

• It determines the outcome of all cases

• It influences their interpretation of the law

• It has no impact on their decisions

What role do presidential appointments play in the Supreme Court?

• They have no influence on the Court's decisions

• They change the Court's favorite color

• They can alter the ideological balance of the Court

• They determine the Court's verdicts in all cases

How do lower courts handle conflicting precedents?

• By asking the president for guidance

• By ignoring all precedents

• By following the precedent of the highest court

• By choosing the most recent precedent

What is a key difference between common law and civil law systems regarding stare decisis?

• Common law systems do not use stare decisis

• Civil law systems use a jury to decide on stare decisis

• Civil law systems rely more heavily on stare decisis

• Common law systems consider it a cornerstone of legal decision-making

What was the significance of Brown v. Board of Education?

• It declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional

• It upheld the principle of 'separate but equal'

• It introduced the concept of stare decisis

• It established the presidential appointment system

What does 'precedent' refer to in the legal system?

• A recommendation by the president

• A legal decision that serves as a guide for future cases

• A rule made by the Supreme Court

• A new law passed by Congress

What is the principle of consistency in politics?

• Adapting laws to societal changes quickly

• Following the president's ideology

• Maintaining steady principles over time

• Changing policies frequently