The Judicial Branch and Its Impact on Government Policy

The video provides an overview of the Judicial Branch, focusing on the US Supreme Court's independence and its role in shaping policy through judicial review. It discusses the constitutional design, Federalist No. 78, and landmark cases like Marbury v. Madison. The video also explores judicial activism versus restraint, highlighting the Warren and Rehnquist Courts. Finally, it examines the checks on judicial power by the executive and legislative branches.

What is the primary reason the framers of the Constitution gave Supreme Court justices lifetime tenure?

• To make the court more powerful than Congress

• To allow them to serve longer than any president

• To ensure they are elected by the public

• To ensure they remain politically insulated

Which Federalist Paper did Alexander Hamilton use to defend the independence of the Judicial Branch?

• Federalist No. 10

• Federalist No. 51

• Federalist No. 78

• Federalist No. 85

What landmark case established the power of judicial review?

• Brown v. Board of Education

• Marbury v. Madison

• Miranda v. Arizona

• Gideon v. Wainwright

How many cases does the US Supreme Court typically choose to hear each year?

• About 500

• About 50

• About 1000

• About 100

What is the concept of 'stare decisis'?

• Judges should create new laws

• Judges should consult the executive branch

• Judges should follow precedents

• Judges should ignore past decisions

Which court is known for its judicial activism in the 20th century?

• The Roberts Court

• The Warren Court

• The Marshall Court

• The Rehnquist Court

What power does the President have over the Supreme Court?

• The power to veto court decisions

• The power to appoint justices

• The power to dissolve the court

• The power to rewrite laws

What can Congress do if the Supreme Court finds a law unconstitutional?

• Ignore the decision

• Rewrite the law

• Impeach the justices

• Dissolve the court

What is a rare action Congress can take if a law is found unconstitutional?

• Pass a new law

• Amend the Constitution

• Ignore the ruling

• Appeal the decision

What ongoing debate surrounds the Supreme Court?

• Its role in foreign policy

• Its ability to levy taxes

• Its power and partisanship

• Its control over the military