AP Gov: Judicial Branch, Court Influence, and Supreme Court Nominations

What will the FRQ for the Final focus on?

The Judicial branch of government, interactions with Congress and the Executive branch, and the impact of courts on society.

What should you review regarding the requirements to be a federal judge?

Your Unit 2 FRQ.

Which Federalist Papers should be reviewed for the Final?

Federalist 51 and Federalist 78.

What should you know about current Supreme Court justices?

Their qualifications, roles on the Court, and whether they are liberal or conservative.

Why do Presidents give extra thought to Supreme Court appointments?

Because these appointments can significantly influence the direction and philosophy of the Court.

How did President Trump's appointees change the Supreme Court?

They shifted the direction/philosophy of the Court.

What is the significance of understanding the political leanings of Supreme Court justices?

It helps in analyzing how their decisions may align with liberal or conservative ideologies.

What is the role of the Judicial branch in relation to Congress and the Executive branch?

To interpret laws, resolve disputes, and ensure laws comply with the Constitution.

What is the primary role of the Judicial Branch?

To interpret the Constitution and other laws, and review lower-court decisions.

How do courts impact society?

They ensure civil liberties and civil rights are upheld and adjusted to support individuals.

What is Judicial Review?

The power of courts to declare executive actions unconstitutional.

How can Congress check the power of the Supreme Court?

By approving federal judges, impeaching them, or passing constitutional amendments.

What is the significance of the separation of powers?

It prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.

What is Federalist No. 51 about?

It discusses the need for government to protect liberty while preventing tyranny through checks and balances.

Who wrote Federalist No. 78?

Alexander Hamilton.

What does Federalist No. 78 argue regarding justices?

It argues for lifetime appointments to ensure independence and impartiality.

What is the Major Questions Doctrine?

It requires federal agencies to show constitutional authority for significant policy impacts.

Who is the current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?

John Roberts.

What is Sonia Sotomayor known for?

Advocating for civil rights and individual liberties, and being the first Latina on the Supreme Court.

What is Neil Gorsuch's judicial philosophy?

He is a strong textualist/originalist and skeptical of federal power.

What was the outcome of the Dobbs vs Jackson Women's Health Organization case?

It overturned Roe vs Wade, reflecting a shift in judicial philosophy.

What is the significance of judicial restraint?

It emphasizes that courts should avoid overstepping their authority and respect legislative decisions.

What criteria do presidents consider when nominating Supreme Court justices?

Experience, ideology, political support, and demographic representation.

What role does religion play in the nomination of justices?

Historically, most justices were Protestant; currently, many are Catholic or Jewish.

What is the impact of Trump's Supreme Court nominations?

They led to a conservative supermajority and a shift towards originalism.

What does the term 'living Constitution' refer to?

The idea that the Constitution should be interpreted in light of contemporary values and circumstances.

What is the role of interest groups in Supreme Court nominations?

They can influence nominations by supporting candidates aligned with their views or pressuring the Senate.

What is the relationship between the Judicial Branch and the Executive Branch?

The Executive can check the Court's power by appointing federal judges.

What is the significance of checks and balances?

It ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful.

What is the role of the Senate in the judicial appointment process?

The Senate holds hearings and votes on judicial nominations.

What is Clarence Thomas's judicial approach?

He adheres to a consistent, strong conservative approach and originalist interpretations.

What is Ketanji Brown Jackson's position on the Supreme Court?

She is a liberal justice.

What is the significance of the bicameral legislature?

It prevents the legislative branch from becoming too powerful by splitting it into two chambers.

What does 'ambition must be made to counteract ambition' mean?

It emphasizes that the different branches of government should have competing interests to prevent tyranny.

What is the role of the courts in protecting civil liberties?

Courts make rulings to protect individuals from government overreach.

What is the significance of Federalist 51?

It discusses the need for separation of powers and checks and balances to prevent tyranny.

Who wrote Federalist 78 and what does it argue?

Written by Alexander Hamilton, it argues for lifetime appointments of justices to ensure independence.

Who are the current Supreme Court Justices?

John Roberts, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett.

What is the political leaning of Chief Justice John Roberts?

Moderate conservative; he often seeks consensus.

What impact did President Trump's appointees have on the Supreme Court?

They shifted the Court towards a conservative supermajority and originalist philosophy.

What does the term 'originalism' refer to?

Interpreting the Constitution based on its original meaning at the time it was written.

What is the significance of the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization?

It overturned Roe v. Wade, reflecting the Court's willingness to change established precedents.

What does judicial restraint mean?

A principle where judges limit their own power and defer to the elected branches of government.

What is the purpose of checks and balances?

To ensure that no one branch of government becomes too powerful.

What does 'living Constitution' mean?

The idea that the Constitution should be interpreted in the context of contemporary society.

What is the significance of Elena Kagan's approach to the Court?

She is known for her pragmatic and consensus-building opinions.

What is the historical trend regarding the religious affiliations of Supreme Court Justices?

Historically, most were Protestant; currently, many are Catholic or Jewish.

Why do Presidents consider demographic factors in judicial appointments?

To reflect the increasing diversity of the U.S. population and gain political support.

What does the term 'checks and balances' imply in the context of Federalism?

Power is divided between federal and state governments to prevent tyranny.

How did President Reagan's campaign influence judicial appointments?

He promised to appoint a woman to the Supreme Court to gain support from female voters.

What is the impact of judicial appointments on civil rights?

Judicial philosophies can significantly influence the protection and interpretation of civil rights.

What does 'judicial independence' refer to?

The concept that justices should be free from political pressures to make impartial decisions.

What is the role of the Supreme Court in the context of federalism?

It interprets the Constitution to define the powers of federal and state governments.

What Supreme Court case struck down a state law requiring a specific need for a concealed-carry permit?

Bruen (2022)

What amendment protects the right to carry firearms in public for self-defense?

The 2nd Amendment

How does the Supreme Court check Congress or the President?

Through judicial review, which allows the Court to declare laws or actions unconstitutional.

What are the real-world consequences of a Supreme Court decision?

They can significantly impact laws, policies, and societal norms.

Identify a principle from Federalist No. 51.

Separation of powers.

How does the principle of separation of powers apply to the judicial branch?

It ensures that the judiciary operates independently from the legislative and executive branches.

How does Federalist No. 78 justify judicial review?

It argues that the judiciary must have the power to declare legislative acts void if they are contrary to the Constitution.

Why do presidents give extra attention to Supreme Court appointments?

Because justices serve for life and can influence legal interpretations long after the president's term.

What is one factor presidents consider when nominating justices?

The nominee's ideology or policy preferences.

How did Trump's appointments change the Court's direction?

They shifted the Court towards a more conservative stance.

Describe the judicial philosophy of Justice Sotomayor.

She often emphasizes empathy and the impact of the law on marginalized communities.

How does Justice Roberts' philosophy influence decisions?

He tends to prioritize institutional legitimacy and often seeks consensus.

How do differing judicial philosophies affect Court outcomes?

They can lead to varying interpretations of the law and different rulings on similar cases.

What is one power of the judicial branch?

The authority to interpret laws and adjudicate legal disputes.

How can Congress check the judiciary?

By passing legislation that can alter the jurisdiction of the courts.

Why are checks and balances important?

They prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful and protect against tyranny.

What are the three most important criteria for Supreme Court nominees today?

Party affiliation, ideology, and prior government experience.

How does party affiliation influence Supreme Court nominations?

Presidents typically nominate justices from their own party to ensure alignment with their political agenda.

Why is a nominee's ideology significant for their appointment?

It ensures that the justice will uphold similar legal interpretations and policies as the appointing president.

Why is prior government experience important for Supreme Court nominees?

It provides insight into how the nominee may rule based on past decisions.

What is one method interest groups use to influence Supreme Court appointments?

They support presidential candidates who promise to nominate justices aligned with their views.

How can interest groups pressure the Senate regarding judicial nominations?

By advocating for delays in nominations until a more favorable president is in office.