Judical Branch Flashcards
Number of cabinet departments?
15
How are cabinet and federal judge memebers apointed?
They are nominated and then approved by the senate
How many justices are on the supreme court?
9
How long is a federal judges term?
A lifetime. Till they die or resign. (Or impeached)
Purpose of judiciary branch
Deciding constitutionality of laws, and fixing disputes over laws.
Define judicial review
The ability of the courts to determine the constitutionality of a law, or of the actions by the executive branch.
What is judicial restraint?
Belief that courts should DEFER decisions to the other two branches
What is judicial activism?
The belief that the courts should ACTIVELY check the power of the legislative and executive branches.
Current chief justice of the Supreme Court
John G. Roberts Jr.
What does the Constitution say about the size of the supreme Court?
NOTHING. The congress picks the #
What is the dual court system of America?
Having state and federal courts
Define jurisdiction
The authority of a court to hear and decide a particular case
How are federal courts organized?
A three-tiered model consisting of district courts, specialized courts, court of appeals, and the supreme court.
What are district courts?
The lower tier of the court system that are where the beginning of federal law begins. Also known as federal trial courts.
What are appellate courts?
A court of appeals. There is no evidence or testimony, but just a review.
