7 Gr SS Ch 7, Les 3 Supreme Court Flashcards
What is the Supreme Court’s main job?
To decide whether laws are constitutional
What is the name for the lowest level courts in the federal system? What kind of jurisdiction do they have?
District courts
Have original jurisdiction
The Supreme Court is made up of how many justices?
What is the leadership structure?
Has 9 justices: 1 Chief Justice, 8 associate justices
The Supreme Court has jurisdiction over only 2 types of cases. Which ones?
Disputes between 2 or more states
Cases involving diplomats from foreign countries
*all others are appealed from lower courts
Where is the Supreme Court located?
Washington DC
What are 3 limits placed on the Supreme Court?
- Can only make rulings on cases brought to it from lower courts (appeals). 2. Must be actual legal disputes. 3. Can only take cases involving federal questions
What is the lowest level of courts in the federal system? What jurisdiction does it have?
What is the second level of courts? What jurisdiction does it have?
District courts; has original jurisdiction
Circuit courts; has appellate jurisdiction
If the court decides that a law is unconstitutional, it can _____, (legally cancel it)
Nullify
What is the importance of Marbury vs. Madison?
Stated that the Supreme Court had the power of judicial review and it set the 3 principles of judicial review.
________ ________ means that the court can review any federal, state, or local law to see whether it goes against the Constitution.
Judicial Review
What qualifications does the Constitutions list for a Supreme Court justice to have?
None, but most are expected to be lawyers or held public office
How do Justices of the Supreme Court get into office? How long do they serve?
They are selected by the President and approved by Congress. They serve for life.
