Judicial Branch

Front

Why did the Constitution provide for two separate court systems?

Back

to maintain a balance of power between the Federal Government and the States

Front

How does a case get to the Supreme Court?

Back

Sends the case back to the lower court for reconsideration.

Front

How are the courts listed in Column A different from those in Column B?

Back

The courts in Column A are all constitutional courts, while the courts in Column B are all special courts.

Front

In the federal system, what power does a district court have?

Back

exercise original jurisdiction over a federal case.

Front

What argument was John Marshall making about how the Federal Government should function?
“It is emphatically the province and duty of the Judicial Department to say what the law is.” —John Marshall, Marbury v. Madison, Opinion of the Court

Back

The judicial branch of the Federal Government should have power to interpret laws.

Front

When a Supreme Court justice agrees with the decision reached by the Court in a case, but not with the reasons why the Court made that decision, he or she may choose to write a

Back

concurring opinion.

Front

What kind of federal courts were established by Congress in 1891 as gatekeepers to relieve the burden on the Supreme Court?

Back

federal courts of appeals

Front

What solution did Alexander Hamilton propose to the problem he describes in this quote?
“If there is in each State a court of final jurisdiction, there may be as many different final determinations on the same point as there are courts. There are endless diversities in the opinions of men. We often see not only different courts but the judges of the same court differing from each other.” —Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist No. 22
Options:
- There should be a national court system that is superior to the State courts and can provide a final ruling.
- The State courts should meet regularly to discuss how to coordinate their rulings so they agree.
- The State and federal courts should share concurrent jurisdiction over all cases to settle disputes.
- The State courts should have no federal oversight so they can remain independent and represent their citizens.

Back

There should be a national court system that is superior to the State courts and can provide a final ruling.

Front

How did the Supreme Court decision Baker v. Carr (1962) change the apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives?

Back

The decision required nearly every state to redistrict on the principle of “one person, one vote,” increasing urban influence and decreasing rural influence in the House.

Front

Which of the following is an example of the principle of judicial review being exercised?

• The Senate first examines, and then rejects a Supreme Court candidate.
• The President appoints a candidate to serve on the Supreme Court.
• The Supreme Court declares a State law unconstitutional.
• Congress decides to impeach a federal judge for failure to uphold the law.

Back

The Supreme Court declares a State law unconstitutional.