Judicial Branch

The fact that there are two different court systems in the United States - federal and state - which operate side-by-side, each handling different cases depending on the laws and circumstances (as opposed to one single court system) best reflects which key principle of American Government?

• federalism

• separation of powers

• limited government

• popular sovereignty

Rules for setting up The Judicial Branch of the United States Government are found in which Article of the U.S. Constitution?

• Article I

• Article II

• Article III

• Article IV

At which level in the court system would you see a jury?

• Trial Court

• Appellate Court

• Supreme Court

• All of the above.

How many total justices are there on the United States Supreme Court?

• Three

• Seven

• Nine

• Eleven

Which term refers to previous court rulings that must be followed in all future cases with similar circumstances, effectively taking on the power of law?

• judicial review

• precedent

• certiorari

• jurisdiction

What is the job of the appellate court when it takes a case on appeal?

• to look for errors of law

• to conduct a new jury trial

• to weigh all the trial evidence

• to determine the proper verdict

Separation of powers is a defining principle of the U.S. government.

Identify some of the powers reserved for the judicial branch of the U.S. government.

Select all that apply.

• Interpret laws

• Declare War

• Establish judicial procedures

• Make taxes

• Sentence offenders

Which cases would usually be handled by a state court system in the United States? Select all that apply.

• Cases involving a state constitution.

• Cases involving United States laws.

• Conflicts between citizens of different states.

• Cases involving common crimes or traffic violations.

• Cases involving marriage/family matters.

How are federal judges selected?

• Chosen by the President, confirmed by the Senate.

• Nominated by the House, elected by the Senate.

• Elected by the American people.

• Chosen by the previous judge.