The US Supreme Court Flashcards
Which association gives ratings to Supreme Court nominees?
American bar association
What is the downside to judicial review?
The SC cannot enforce decisions, so relies on the executive and congress to carry out rulings
Why is judicial review important?
Acts as a check on Congress and the executive, and can overrule federal decisions/laws
What type of majority is need for a nominee to be elected to the SC?
A simple majority
Who was a swing justice on the SC?
Anthony Kennedy, swung between Conservative and Liberal decisions
What was Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s confirmation ratio?
96-3
Who is the chief justice of the SC?
John Roberts
Who are the associate justices of the SC?
Gorsuch, C Thomas, AC-Barrat, Kagan, Sotomayor, KB-Jackson, Kavanaugh, Alito
What is a loose constructionist?
A judge with a liberal ideology who interpret the constitution in a loose way
Which judges are loose constructionists?
Kagan and Sotomayor
What is a strict constructionist?
A justice with a conservative ideology who has a strict interpretation of the Constitution
Which judges are strict constructionists?
Roberts, Gorsuch, Thomas, Alito
What is judicial activism?
The idea that judges should aim to promote desirable social goals through their decisions
What is judicial restraint?
An approach where judges should defer their decisions to the executive and legislative
What was Gorsuch’s partisan appointment ratio?
54-45 with most Dems voting against and all GOP voting for
What is a living constitution?
A broad constitution that allows it to evolve
What is originalism?
Constitution should remain unchanged as its meaning does not change over time
