Judicial Branch in a Flash

What is the only court the United States Constitution actually creates?

• District Court

• Supreme Court

• State Court

• Federal Court

Answer explanation

The United States Constitution explicitly creates only the Supreme Court. Other courts, like District and State Courts, are established by Congress and state legislatures, respectively.

Fill in the blank: The federal court system deals with disputes about laws that apply to the entire ________.

• United States

• State

• City

• County

Answer explanation

The federal court system addresses legal disputes that involve laws applicable across the entire United States, making 'United States' the correct choice. State, city, and county laws are handled by local courts.

What is the main difference between criminal and civil cases?

• Criminal cases involve disputes between individuals, while civil cases involve offenses against the state.

• Criminal cases involve offenses against the state, while civil cases involve disputes between individuals.

• Criminal cases are always tried in federal courts, while civil cases are tried in state courts.

• Criminal cases require a jury, while civil cases do not.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that criminal cases involve offenses against the state, such as crimes, while civil cases deal with disputes between individuals, like contracts or personal injury claims.

Which court system mostly deals with disputes about state laws?

• Federal Court System

• State Court System

• Supreme Court

• District Court

Answer explanation

The State Court System primarily handles disputes involving state laws, as it is designed to interpret and apply state legislation. In contrast, the Federal Court System deals with federal laws and constitutional issues.

Fill in the blank: In a jury trial, a group of twelve people listen to the evidence and decides who wins the case. That decision is called the ________.

• verdict

• sentence

• appeal

• testimony

Answer explanation

In a jury trial, the group of twelve people evaluates the evidence presented and makes a decision on the case. This decision is known as the verdict, which determines the outcome of the trial.

What is the role of appellate courts?

• To hear cases for the first time

• To review the trial court decision for error

• To make laws

• To enforce laws

Answer explanation

The role of appellate courts is to review the trial court decision for error. They do not hear cases for the first time, make laws, or enforce laws, but rather ensure that the law was applied correctly in previous rulings.

What happens when a case is brought up on appeal?

• The case is retried in the same court.

• The case is reviewed by a higher court.

• The case is dismissed automatically.

• The case is settled out of court.

Answer explanation

When a case is brought up on appeal, it is reviewed by a higher court. This process allows the higher court to evaluate the decisions made by the lower court, rather than retrying the case or dismissing it.

How many judges usually hear cases in the Court of Appeals?

• One

• Three

• Five

• Nine

Answer explanation

In the Court of Appeals, cases are typically heard by a panel of three judges. This structure allows for a more balanced decision-making process, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered.

What is the power of deciding what is constitutional called?

• Judicial review

• Legislative oversight

• Executive privilege

• Judicial activism

Answer explanation

The power of deciding what is constitutional is called judicial review. This process allows courts to evaluate laws and actions to ensure they comply with the Constitution, making it a fundamental aspect of the judicial system.

Who has the power to reverse a decision made by the U.S. Supreme Court?

• The President of the United States

• The U.S. Congress

• The U.S. Supreme Court itself

• The United Nations

Answer explanation

The U.S. Supreme Court has the authority to reverse its own decisions through a process called 'overruling.' Neither the President, Congress, nor the United Nations can reverse Supreme Court decisions.