Judicial Branch Quiz

Which term refers to courts that are lower than the Supreme Court in the federal system?

• Superior courts

• Inferior courts

• Appellate courts

• State courts

What is the main function of the judicial branch in the United States government?

• To create laws

• To enforce laws

• To interpret laws

• To amend the Constitution

Which of the following best describes "original jurisdiction"?

• The authority to review decisions made by lower courts

• The authority to create new laws

• The authority to hear a case for the first time

• The authority to enforce court decisions

Who is the party that brings a lawsuit in a civil case?

• Defendant

• Plaintiff

• Judge

• Jury

What is a "writ of certiorari"?

• A document that starts a criminal trial

• An order by a higher court to review a lower court's decision

• A type of jury verdict

• A law passed by Congress

Which of the following is NOT a requirement to become a federal judge?

• Must be nominated by the President

• Must be confirmed by the Senate

• Must be at least 35 years old

• No specific age, education, or citizenship requirements in the Constitution

Which opinion reflects the view of the majority of justices on the Supreme Court?

• Dissenting opinion

• Concurring opinion

• Majority opinion

• Minority opinion

What is judicial review?

• The process of nominating federal judges

• The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional

• The process of amending the Constitution

• The process of enforcing court decisions

Which of the following best describes appellate jurisdiction?

• The authority to hear a case for the first time

• The authority to enforce laws

• The authority to review and possibly overturn decisions of lower courts

• The authority to write new laws

Which philosophy believes that courts should avoid overturning laws unless they are clearly unconstitutional?

• Judicial activism

• Judicial restraint

• Judicial review

• Judicial supremacy