Understanding the Role and Influence of the U.S. Supreme Court

The video explains the distinct roles of the U.S. government branches, focusing on the Supreme Court's function in interpreting laws and its adherence to the principle of stare decisis. It highlights the concept of precedent and the subjective nature of judicial decisions. The influence of political changes on the Supreme Court is discussed, with a case study of the shift from Plessy v. Ferguson to Brown v. Board of Education, illustrating how judicial appointments can impact civil rights rulings.

What is the primary role of the U.S. Supreme Court?

• To interpret laws and rule on their constitutionality

• To make laws and set budgets

• To appoint members of Congress

• To run the government

What does the principle of stare decisis encourage?

• Following previous decisions as examples

• Creating new laws

• Changing laws frequently

• Ignoring past rulings

How is the concept of precedent used in the Supreme Court?

• To ignore previous decisions

• To ensure laws are changed frequently

• As a guide for current cases based on past rulings

• As a way to create new laws

What is a significant factor in the subjectivity of Supreme Court decisions?

• The justices' personal views and experiences

• The lack of historical cases

• The absence of a confirmation process

• The laws being too clear

How can presidential appointments influence the Supreme Court?

• By changing the laws directly

• By vetoing Supreme Court decisions

• By setting the Court's budget

• By appointing justices who may shift the Court's decisions

Which case marked a significant overturning of precedent regarding segregation?

• Dred Scott v. Sandford

• Roe v. Wade

• Brown v. Board of Education

• Marbury v. Madison

What was the outcome of the Brown v. Board of Education case?

• Segregation laws were upheld

• Segregation was deemed constitutional

• Segregation was not addressed

• Segregation was deemed unconstitutional

What political changes influenced the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education?

• The appointment of justices by FDR and Truman

• The election of a new Congress

• The end of World War II

• The passing of new segregation laws

What is an example of a justice not aligning with the appointing president's expectations?

• Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's moderate rulings

• Justice John Roberts' conservative rulings

• Justice Earl Warren's liberal rulings

• Justice Clarence Thomas' liberal rulings

Which president appointed Justice Earl Warren, who later took liberal stances?

• Franklin D. Roosevelt

• Dwight D. Eisenhower

• John F. Kennedy

• Harry S. Truman