The Judicial Branch Uncovered Through Landmark Cases and Constitutional Principles

The video explores the judicial branch of the U.S. government, highlighting its evolution, structure, and significance. It discusses the landmark case Marbury v. Madison, which established judicial review, and explains the structure of federal courts, including district courts, circuit courts, and the Supreme Court. The video also delves into constitutional and judicial philosophies, such as strict constructionism, broad constructionism, and originalism, as well as judicial restraint and activism. Finally, it covers the checks on judicial power by other branches of government.

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

• Plessy v. Ferguson

• Marbury v. Madison

• Roe v. Wade

• Brown v. Board of Education

Which type of federal court is the first to hear most federal cases?

• Supreme Court

• Circuit Courts

• District Courts

• State Courts

What is the 'rule of four' in the context of the Supreme Court?

• Four justices must agree to hear a case

• Four justices must write a dissenting opinion

• Four justices must be present for a decision

• Four justices must agree to overturn a precedent

What is a concurring opinion in the Supreme Court?

• An opinion that is unanimous

• An opinion that is written by the Chief Justice

• An opinion that agrees with the majority but for different reasons

• An opinion that disagrees with the majority

Which philosophy suggests that the Constitution should be interpreted based on the framers' original intent?

• Judicial Activism

• Broad Constructionism

• Strict Constructionism

• Originalism

What does judicial restraint advocate for?

• Courts should actively change policies

• Courts should defer to elected branches

• Courts should interpret laws broadly

• Courts should focus on social issues

What is the principle of 'stare decisis'?

• To interpret the Constitution literally

• To let the decision stand and follow precedent

• To allow courts to create new laws

• To overturn previous court decisions

Which branch of government has the power to nominate federal judges?

• The Judicial Branch

• The Executive Branch

• The State Governments

• The Legislative Branch

What can Congress do to check the power of the judiciary?

• Enforce court rulings

• Appoint Supreme Court justices

• Veto court decisions

• Propose constitutional amendments

Why might the judiciary's decisions sometimes be ignored?

• They lack police power to enforce decisions

• They are not legally binding

• They are often unclear

• They are subject to public vote