AP Gov Unit 2.8-2.11: Understanding Judicial Power and Precedent

Which document establishes the foundation for the powers of the judicial branch?

• Article I of the Constitution

• Article III of the Constitution

• Federalist No. 10

• Federalist No. 51

What is the primary argument for the independence of the judicial branch?

• It allows the judiciary to create laws.

• It checks the power of other branches.

• It ensures the judiciary is above the law.

• It allows the judiciary to control the military.

What is the role of "stare decisis" in judicial decision-making?

• It allows courts to ignore previous decisions.

• It requires courts to follow legal precedents.

• It mandates courts to consult the executive branch.

• It permits courts to create new laws.

How can ideological changes in the Supreme Court occur?

• Through public voting

• By presidential appointments

• By state referendums

• Through congressional debates

What is one effect of life tenure for Supreme Court justices?

• It makes the court dependent on public opinion.

• It allows the court to function independently of political climates.

• It limits the court's ability to make decisions.

• It requires justices to retire at age 65.

What role does judicial activism play in the context of judicial review?

• It mandates strict adherence to legal precedents.

• It empowers courts to reinterpret laws and challenge existing precedents.

• It should be avoided to maintain judicial restraint.

• It is redundant in a system governed by democratic principles.

Which of the following is a restriction on the Supreme Court's power?

• The ability to create new laws

• Congressional legislation modifying prior decisions

• The power to appoint justices

• The ability to veto executive orders

What is one way the president can influence the Supreme Court?

• By directly overruling court decisions

• By appointing new justices

• By writing judicial opinions

• By serving as a Supreme Court justice

What is judicial restraint?

• The belief that courts should create new laws

• The belief that judicial review should adhere to existing precedents

• The belief that courts should ignore the Constitution

• The belief that courts should be politically active

Which action can limit the cases the Supreme Court can hear?

• Enacting legislation to remove the court's jurisdiction over a case

• Allowing the court to choose any case it wants

• Requiring the court to hear every case presented

• Giving the court unlimited jurisdiction