Understanding the U.S. Judicial System

What are the three branches of the U.S. government?

• Senate, House, Presidency

• Federal, State, Local

• Legislative, Executive, Judicial

• Democratic, Republican, Independent

In what year did the number of Supreme Court justices settle at nine?

• 1896

• 1954

• 1869

• 1789

Who has the authority to appoint Supreme Court justices?

• The Senate

• State Governors

• The President

• The House of Representatives

How long can Supreme Court justices serve?

• Until they choose to retire

• 2 terms

• 10 years

• 4 years

Is it mandatory for a Supreme Court justice to have been a lawyer?

• Only if appointed after 1990

• No, but it is traditional

• Yes, as per the Constitution

• Yes, it is mandatory

What does the Constitution specify about the Supreme Court's powers?

• Power to amend laws

• Detailed powers and roles

• Only the power to decide cases

• Power to elect the President

What landmark case established the Supreme Court's power of judicial review?

• Brown vs. Board of Education

• Marbury vs. Madison

• Roe vs. Wade

• Plessy vs. Ferguson

Which case overturned the 'separate but equal' doctrine established by Plessy vs. Ferguson?

• Marbury vs. Madison

• Roe vs. Wade

• Bush vs. Gore

• Brown vs. Board of Education

What happens when the Supreme Court makes a ruling?

• All other courts must follow the precedent

• It can be vetoed by the President

• It must be approved by Congress

• It becomes a suggestion for states

Which branch of government operates independently of elections?

• Executive

• Judicial

• None

• Legislative