The Judicial Branch - AP Government and Politics

The U.S. Senate. Provides advice and consent as part of the appointment process.

Lifetime tenure, pending good behavior. Ensures judicial independence from political pressure and electoral cycles.

Nine justices. Set by Congress in 1869, though the Constitution doesn't specify the number.

The Supreme Court of the United States. Has final appellate jurisdiction over all federal and constitutional questions.

The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional. Established in Marbury v. Madison, allowing courts to check legislative and executive power.

Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978). Allowed race as one factor but prohibited strict quotas.

John Jay. Appointed by George Washington, served from 1789 to 1795.

The principle of 'one person, one vote'. Required equal population in legislative districts for fair representation.

New York Times Co. v. United States (1971). Upheld press freedom against prior restraint by government.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896). Upheld racial segregation in public facilities for nearly 60 years.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954). Declared separate educational facilities inherently unequal and unconstitutional.

A 'friend of the court' brief offering information. Submitted by interested parties not directly involved in the case.

Judicial rulings based on personal views rather than law. Critics argue this approach exceeds proper judicial authority.

Permission to proceed without court fees due to indigence. Latin term allowing poor defendants to proceed without paying fees.

An opinion that agrees with the majority but for different reasons. Allows justices to explain their reasoning while supporting the outcome.

An opinion that disagrees with the majority decision. Often influences future legal development and constitutional interpretation.

Korematsu v. United States (1944). Upheld wartime executive power despite civil liberties violations.

Four justices must agree to grant certiorari. Minimum votes needed to accept a case for Supreme Court review.

To interpret and apply the law. Ensures laws comply with the Constitution through judicial review.

Mapp v. Ohio (1961). Applied Fourth Amendment protections to state criminal proceedings.

Federal laws are supreme over state laws. Established federal supremacy and implied powers doctrine.

Obergefell v. Hodges (2015). Extended Fourteenth Amendment equal protection to marriage rights.

Griswold v. Connecticut (1965). Found privacy rights in penumbras of other constitutional amendments.

A court decision that establishes significant new legal principles. Creates binding precedent and shapes constitutional interpretation.

Bush v. Gore (2000). Halted Florida recount, effectively deciding the presidential election.

It established Miranda rights for detained suspects. Required police to inform suspects of Fifth Amendment rights.

Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978). Allowed race as one factor but prohibited strict quotas.

Article III. Creates the federal court system and outlines judicial powers.

The U.S. Senate. Provides advice and consent as part of the appointment process.