DTW GED PREP

The judicial branch of the federal government plays a vital role in interpreting and upholding the laws of the United States. At its pinnacle is the Supreme Court, the highest court in the country, whose primary function is to determine the constitutionality of laws through a process known as judicial review. This power ensures that all legislative and executive actions comply with the principles outlined in the U.S. Constitution, serving as a safeguard against unconstitutional governance. In addition to judicial review, the Supreme Court also interprets the meaning of laws and assesses whether laws have been appropriately followed.

The Supreme Court is composed of nine justices: one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices, though this number is determined by Congress and has varied historically. Since 1869, however, the Court has consistently had nine members. Justices are appointed by the president and must be confirmed by the Senate. Once appointed, they hold their positions for life, ensuring independence from political pressures and allowing them to make decisions based solely on legal principles. The Chief Justice serves as the head of the Court and has additional ceremonial and administrative duties, such as administering the oath of office to the president during inaugurations and presiding over impeachment trials in the Senate.

Article III of the Constitution outlines the powers and jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. It is authorized to rule on cases involving disputes between states, conflicts between a state and citizens of another state, and issues related to patents and copyrights. While the Supreme Court generally does not conduct trials, it reviews legal briefs, hears oral arguments, and asks questions of the parties involved in a case to determine its decision. Decisions are made by a majority vote among the justices, and these rulings set binding precedents that lower courts must follow.

In addition to the Supreme Court, the judicial branch includes United States district courts and United States courts of appeal, which form the lower levels of the federal judiciary. The district courts are the trial courts where most federal cases begin, addressing criminal and civil cases under federal jurisdiction. These courts handle the initial proceedings, including presenting evidence, hearing witnesses, and rendering verdicts.

The courts of appeal, often referred to as appellate courts, review cases that have been decided in district courts but are appealed by one of the parties. These courts examine whether legal procedures were followed correctly and whether the law was applied appropriately. Appellate courts do not retry cases or hear new evidence; instead, they focus on questions of law. Decisions made by these courts can be further appealed to the Supreme Court, although the Supreme Court selects only a limited number of cases to hear each term, usually those involving significant constitutional or federal issues.

The Supreme Court’s rulings hold the highest authority, and its interpretations of laws and the Constitution are binding on all other courts in the country. This ensures a consistent application of legal principles across the United States, reinforcing the judiciary’s role as a cornerstone of American democracy and the rule of law. By interpreting the Constitution and ensuring the legality of government actions, the judicial branch maintains a critical balance within the federal government, upholding justice and protecting individual rights.

THE JUDICIAL BRANCH

Directions: Questions 1 and 2 are based on the following table. Use the information in the table to fill in the blanks.

1. Who is the Chief Justice with the longest tenure in office?
2. How many years did the longest-serving Chief Justice hold this position?

Judicial Branch

1. Chief Justice with the longest tenure:
   Answer: John Marshall
   Explanation: Marshall served as Chief Justice from 1801 to 1835, a tenure of 34 years.

Years of service:
Answer: 34 years
Explanation: Marshall’s leadership shaped the role of the Supreme Court significantly