chapter 6

Question 2

the branch of the federal government that interprets and applies the laws of the nation.

Answer 2

federal judiciary

Question 3

the highest level of the federal judiciary, which was established in Article 3 of the Constitution and serves as the highest court in the nation.

Answer 3

Supreme Court

Question 4

the authority of a court to hear and review decisions made by lower courts in that system.

Answer 4

appellate jurisdiction

Question 5

the authority of a court to act as the first court to hear a case, which includes the finding of facts in the case.

Answer 5

original jurisdiction

Question 6

argument by alexander hamilton that the federal judiciary would be unlikely to infringe upon rights and liberties but would serve as a check on the other two branches.

Answer 6

fed no. 78

Question 7

a Supreme Court decision that established judicial review over federal laws.

Answer 7

Marbury v. Madison

Question 8

the authority of the Supreme Court to strike down a law or executive action if it conflicts with the Constitution

Answer 8

judicial review

Question 9

a category of law covering actions determined to harm the community

Answer 9

criminal law

Question 10

a category of law covering cases involving private rights and relationships between individuals and groups

Answer 10

civil law

Question 11

the lowest level of the federal judiciary; these courts usually have original jurisdiction in cases that start at the federal level

Answer 11

federal district courts

Question 12

the middle level of the federal judiciary; these courts review and hear appeals from the federal district courts

Answer 12

federal courts of appeals

Question 13

a judicial decision that guides future courts in handling similar cases

Answer 13

precedent

Question 14

letting a previous decision stand

Answer 14

stare decis

Question 15

binding Supreme Court opinions, which serve as precedent for future cases.

Answer 15

majority decision

Question 16

an opinion that agrees with the majority decision, offering different or additional reasoning that does not serve as precedent

Answer 16

concurring opinion

Question 17

an opinion that disagrees with the majority opinion and does not serve as precedent

Answer 17

dissenting opinion

Question 18

a philosphy of constitutional interpretation that justices should be cautious in overturning laws

Answer 18

judicial restraint

Question 19

a philosophy of constitutional interpretation that justices should wield the power of judicial review, sometimes creating bold new policies.

Answer 19

judicial activism