Understanding the Supreme Court

What is a common nickname for the Supreme Court?

• The Final Arbiter

• The Ultimate Tribunal

• The Court of Last Resort

• The High Bench

Before a case can reach the Supreme Court, it must first be heard and decided by a __________ and a __________.

• district court; circuit court

• trial court; appellate court

• magistrate court; superior court

• municipal court; state court

What is a "writ of certiorari"?

• A legal document to dismiss a case

• A request for the Supreme Court to review a case

• A mandate to enforce a lower court's decision

• A petition to change the venue of a trial

For the Supreme Court to actually hear a case, known as __________, at least four of the nine justices must agree to hear it. This requirement is called the __________.

• accepting jurisdiction; "Rule of Three"

• granting appeal; "Rule of Five"

• hearing argument; "Rule of Six"

• granting certiorari; "Rule of Four"

Briefs are written __________ from each side, explaining why the law should favor their side. The party bringing the case to overturn the lower court's decision is called the __________. The party that wants the court to uphold the lower court’s decision is the __________.

• statements; appellant; appellee

• summaries; challenger; defender

• arguments; petitioner; respondent

• reports; claimant; respondent

Which of the following is NOT a function of the Supreme Court?

• Interpreting the Constitution

• Enforcing laws

• Reviewing lower court decisions

• Resolving disputes between states

How many justices currently serve on the U.S. Supreme Court?

• 7

• 9

• 11

• 13

Which of the following cases would most likely be heard by the Supreme Court?

• A traffic violation case

• A dispute over a state law

• A case involving a constitutional issue

• A small claims court case

What is the term length for a Supreme Court justice?

• 4 years

• 10 years

• 15 years

• Life tenure

Which of the following is a power unique to the Supreme Court?

• Vetoing legislation

• Declaring laws unconstitutional

• Appointing federal judges

• Impeaching the President