Understanding the Judicial Branch and Historical Interactions

The video explores the role of the judicial branch in the U.S. government, focusing on its power to interpret the Constitution and check the legislative and executive branches. It discusses the lifetime appointments of Supreme Court justices and how other branches can respond to judicial decisions. Historical examples of presidents like Jefferson, Lincoln, and FDR defying the Supreme Court are highlighted, with a detailed look at FDR's court packing plan during the Great Depression.

What is the primary role of the judicial branch in the United States?

• To manage state governments

• To enforce laws

• To create laws

• To interpret the Constitution

How are Supreme Court justices appointed?

• Selected by the Vice President

• Chosen by the House of Representatives

• Appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate

• Elected by the public

What can Congress do if a law is deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court?

• Overrule the decision

• Amend the Constitution

• Pass a revised law

• Ignore the ruling

Which president ignored the Supreme Court's decision during the Napoleonic Wars?

• George Washington

• James Madison

• Thomas Jefferson

• John Adams

What constitutional right did President Lincoln suspend during the Civil War?

• Habeas corpus

• Right to bear arms

• Right to a fair trial

• Freedom of speech

What was the purpose of FDR's Judicial Procedures Reform Bill of 1937?

• To reduce the number of justices

• To increase the number of justices

• To limit the terms of justices

• To abolish the Supreme Court

How did FDR's court-packing plan aim to influence the Supreme Court?

• By reducing the court's power

• By changing the court's location

• By adding justices who agreed with him

• By removing justices

What was the outcome of FDR's court-packing plan?

• It was passed by Congress

• It was rejected by Congress

• It led to the impeachment of justices

• It resulted in a new constitutional amendment

What was the long-term impact of FDR's presidency on the Supreme Court?

• He appointed eight out of nine justices

• He reduced the court's power

• He abolished the Supreme Court

• He limited the terms of justices

What phrase is used to describe the Supreme Court's shift in response to FDR's actions?

• The New Deal

• The Great Compromise

• The Switch in Time That Saved Nine

• The Roosevelt Reformation