Help
Options
Didn't know it?
click below
click below
Knew it?
click below
click below
Don't Know
Remaining cards (0)
Know
retry
shuffle
restart
0:00
Embed Code - If you would like this activity on your web page, copy the script below and paste it into your web page.
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Normal Size Small Size show me how
AP GOPO Unit 2 Judic
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the role of the Judicial Branch? | Interprets laws, settles legal disputes, and determines if laws are constitutional |
| Why is the Judicial Branch considered the least democratic branch? | Judges are appointed, not elected |
| Who appoints federal judges? | The President. |
| Who confirms federal judges? | The Senate |
| How long do federal judges serve? | For life (good behavior). |
| What are the three levels of the federal court system? | U.S. District Courts, U.S. Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court. |
| Which courts are the trial courts of the federal system? | U.S. District Courts. |
| What is the main job of the Courts of Appeals? | Review decisions from lower courts. |
| Do Courts of Appeals hear new evidence? | No, they review legal procedures and rulings. |
| How many federal Courts of Appeals are there? | 13 |
| What can Courts of Appeals do to a lower court decision? | Affirm it, reverse it, or remand it. |
| What is the highest court in the United States? | The Supreme Court. |
| How many justices are on the Supreme Court? | 9. |
| How many cases does the Supreme Court hear each year? | About 100. |
| What types of cases does the Supreme Court hear? | Federal cases, constitutional issues, and disputes between states. |
| What is a writ of certiorari? | An order by the Supreme Court to review a lower court case. |
| How many justices must agree to grant certiorari? | At least 4 (Rule of Four). |
| What is a majority opinion? | The official court decision supported by more than half the justices. |
| What is a concurring opinion? | A justice agrees with the outcome but for different reasons. |
| What is a dissenting opinion? | A justice disagrees with the majority decision. |
| Why are Supreme Court decisions important? | They set precedents that lower courts must follow. |
| What is judicial review? | The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional. |
| What is precedent? | A past court decision used to guide future cases. |
| What is a famous case that established judicial review? | Marbury v. Madison. |
| Stare Decisis (has something to do w/ precedents) | "let the decision stand" |
| How are federal judges chosen? | Appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. |
| How does lifetime tenure make the judiciary less democratic? | Judges do not face elections and cannot be easily removed by the public. |
| Why was the Judicial Branch designed to be less democratic? | To keep judges independent from political pressure and public opinion. |
| What is a constitutional decision? | A ruling based on interpreting the Constitution. |
| What is a statutory decision? | A ruling based on interpreting a law passed by Congress. |
| Why is a statutory decision easier to change than a constitutional decision? | Congress can change the statute, but amending the Constitution is difficult. |
| Who are litigants? | The parties involved in a court case. |
| Who is the plaintiff? | The party bringing the charge or filing the lawsuit. |
| Who is the defendant? | The party being accused or charged. |
| What is the role of a jury? | A group of citizens, usually 12, who decide the outcome of a case. |
| What does “standing to sue” mean? | The plaintiff must have a direct and personal stake in the outcome. |
| What is a justiciable dispute? | A case that can be resolved by the courts. |
| What is a “matter of law”? | An issue appropriate for judicial resolution. |
| How do interest groups influence court decisions? | By filing amicus curiae briefs. |
| What is an amicus curiae brief? | A “friend of the court” brief that provides additional arguments or information. |
| What are examples of groups that file amicus curiae briefs? | NAACP and ACLU. |
| Why can Congress respond to Supreme Court decisions involving statutes? | Because Congress can rewrite or amend the law. |
| Why can’t Congress easily overturn constitutional decisions? | Because changing the Constitution requires a formal amendment. |
| What is senatorial courtesy? | A tradition in which the Senate defers to a president’s judicial nominee if a senator from the nominee’s home state objects. |
| When does senatorial courtesy usually apply? | Mostly to federal district court and appellate court nominees. |
| Why is senatorial courtesy important? | It gives senators influence over judicial appointments in their states. |
| Is senatorial courtesy written into the Constitution? | No, it is an informal tradition, not a law. |
Created by:
user-1878450