Article III Vocabulary

Question 1

Article III

Answer 1

The part of the U.S. Constitution that establishes the judicial branch, which includes the federal courts.

Question 2

Judicial Branch

Answer 2

The branch of government responsible for interpreting and applying the laws, ensuring they are constitutional.

Question 3

“Living” Constitution

Answer 3

A view that the Constitution’s interpretation can change over time to adapt to society’s needs.

Question 4

Jurisdiction

Answer 4

The authority of a court to hear and decide cases.

Question 5

Original Jurisdiction

Answer 5

A court’s power to hear a case for the first time, often involving disputes between states.

Question 6

Appellate Jurisdiction

Answer 6

A court’s authority to review and decide cases on appeal from lower courts.

Question 7

Judiciary Act of 1789

Answer 7

The law that established the federal court system including the Supreme Court.

Question 8

Judicial Review

Answer 8

The power of courts, especially the Supreme Court, to determine if laws and government actions are constitutional.

Question 9

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Answer 9

A landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review.

Question 10

Trial Court

Answer 10

The court where legal disputes begin and evidence is presented.

Question 11

Appellate Court

Answer 11

A court that reviews decisions made by lower courts.

Question 12

Constitutional Courts

Answer 12

Federal courts established by the Constitution to handle cases involving federal laws and the Constitution itself.

Question 13

Legislative Courts

Answer 13

Specialized federal courts created by Congress for specific purposes.

Question 14

Brief

Answer 14

A written legal document presenting a party’s argument in a case.

Question 15

Precedent

Answer 15

A prior court decision that serves as a guideline for future cases.

Question 16

Judicial Restraint

Answer 16

A judicial philosophy that limits the exercise of judicial power deferring to the other branches of government.

Question 17

Judicial Activism

Answer 17

A judicial philosophy that actively interprets and applies the Constitution to address societal issues.

Question 18

Originalist

Answer 18

A judge who interprets the Constitution according to its original meaning.

Question 19

Evolutionist

Answer 19

A judge who believes the Constitution’s interpretation should adapt to modern circumstances.

Question 20

Writ of Certiorari

Answer 20

A request for the Supreme Court to review a case/record from a lower court.

Question 21

Rule of Four

Answer 21

A practice where four Supreme Court justices must agree to hear a case.

Question 22

Clerk

Answer 22

An assistant to a judge often responsible for legal research and writing.

Question 23

Solicitor General

Answer 23

The government’s lawyer who represents the United States in Supreme Court cases; fourth ranking member of the Department of Justice.

Question 24

Constitutional Rights and Freedoms

Answer 24

Fundamental liberties protected by the U.S. Constitution.

Question 25

Bill of Rights (Amendments 1-10)

Answer 25

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, protecting individual rights.

Question 26

Amend

Answer 26

To make changes or additions to the Constitution.

Question 27

Article V (5)

Answer 27

The part of the Constitution that outlines the amendment process.

Question 28

Civil Liberties

Answer 28

Basic individual freedoms and protections from government interference.

Question 29

Civil Rights

Answer 29

Rights ensuring equal treatment and protection from discrimination.

Question 30

13th Amendment

Answer 30

Abolished slavery in the United States.

Question 31

14th Amendment

Answer 31

Grants citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S.

Question 32

15th Amendment

Answer 32

Prohibits the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous servitude.

Question 33

24th Amendment

Answer 33

Prohibits poll taxes in federal elections.

Question 34

Appointments

Answer 34

The process of selecting and appointing judges to the federal bench.

Question 35

Confirmation

Answer 35

The Senate’s approval of federal judge appointments, including Supreme Court justices.