The Supreme Court's Role and Checks in Government

The video explores the Supreme Court's role in the U.S. government, focusing on judicial activism and restraint. It discusses how controversial decisions like Dred Scott and Korematsu have questioned the Court's legitimacy. The video also explains how other government branches can limit the Court's power through legislative actions, constitutional amendments, and presidential appointments.

What leads to debates about the Supreme Court's legitimacy?

• Congressional elections

• Public opinion polls

• Judicial review and life tenure

• The President's veto power

What does judicial activism involve?

• Strict adherence to the Constitution

• Establishing policy through court decisions

• Avoiding controversial cases

• Focusing solely on legal precedents

Which court was accused of activism after the Brown v. Board of Education decision?

• The Warren Court

• The Roberts Court

• The Taney Court

• The Marshall Court

What is a key principle of judicial restraint?

• Overturning precedent frequently

• Emphasis on the Constitution's text

• Making policy decisions

• Ignoring legal precedents

What was the outcome of Dred Scott v. Sanford?

• Slavery was allowed in all states

• The Missouri Compromise was upheld

• Enslaved people were granted citizenship

• Slavery was abolished

What did Korematsu v. United States uphold?

• Freedom of speech

• Forced internment of Japanese Americans

• The right to bear arms

• Women's right to vote

How can Congress modify the impact of Supreme Court decisions?

• By impeaching justices

• Passing new legislation

• Through public referendums

• Limiting judicial salaries

Which amendment reversed the Dred Scott decision?

• The 12th Amendment

• The 15th Amendment

• The 13th Amendment

• The 14th Amendment

What can the President do to influence future Supreme Court decisions?

• Pass executive orders

• Appoint new justices

• Declare a state of emergency

• Veto Supreme Court decisions

What controversial action did President Andrew Jackson allegedly take against a Supreme Court decision?

• He revised it

• He ignored it

• He supported it publicly

• He appealed it