Judicial Decisions: Crash Course Government and Politics

The video explores the various factors influencing Supreme Court justices beyond the court's structure, including Congress, the President, history, political ideology, and judicial philosophy. It distinguishes between judicial activism and restraint, highlighting their historical contexts and current applications. The video emphasizes that judicial philosophy is distinct from political ideology and that multiple factors affect judicial decisions.

What is one reason why justices might be influenced by Congress?

• Congress can pass new laws in response to court decisions.

• Congress funds the Supreme Court.

• Congress can impeach justices.

• Congress appoints justices to the Supreme Court.

How does history influence Supreme Court justices?

• Justices are required to write historical essays.

• Justices are influenced by historical novels.

• Justices' decisions are studied by future generations.

• Justices must consult historians before making decisions.

Which factor is NOT mentioned as influencing judges' decisions?

• Media coverage

• Historical impact

• Judicial philosophy

• Political ideology

What is judicial activism?

• The idea that courts should strictly follow the Constitution.

• The belief that courts should act as instruments of policy.

• The practice of judges avoiding controversial cases.

• The concept of judges adhering to past decisions.

Which judicial philosophy is often associated with making incremental changes to the law?

• Judicial activism

• Judicial restraint

• Judicial independence

• Judicial review

What is a common misconception about judicial restraint?

• It is only practiced by liberal judges.

• It disregards historical precedents.

• It involves making sweeping legal changes.

• It is the same as political conservatism.

Which court was known for its judicial activism in expanding civil rights?

• The Rehnquist Court

• The Roberts Court

• The Warren Court

• The Burger Court