POLSCI 13 - Judicial Reasoning

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the U.S. Judicial System, including the structure and roles of the branches of government, significant cases such as Marbury v. Madison, and important principles like judicial review.

What branches make up the United States government as outlined in the Constitution?

Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.

What is the primary job of the Legislative branch?

To make laws that represent the people.

What are the terms for members of the House and Senate?

Members of the House serve 2-year terms; Senators serve 6-year terms.

Who elects the President of the United States?

The citizens of the country.

What is the term length for the President and what is the limit?

The President serves 4-year terms with a 2-term limit.

What is the primary job of the Executive branch?

To enforce the law.

How is the Judicial branch structured?

It consists of three tiers: Supreme Court, Appellate Courts, and District Courts.

What determines the appointment of federal judges?

They are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

What is the term length for Supreme Court justices?

They serve for life.

What is the significance of Marbury v. Madison in judicial power?

It established the authority for the Supreme Court to issue writs of mandamus.

What is judicial review?

The power of the Supreme Court to declare actions of the government invalid if they violate the Constitution.

What is the role of the judicial branch according to Federalist #78?

To interpret the law and ensure judicial independence.

What does the Judicial Act of 1789 establish?

It creates a multi-tiered judicial system, including the Supreme Court and lower courts.

What does Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution say about judges?

Judges hold office during good behavior and receive compensation that cannot be diminished.

What case established the power of judicial review?

Marbury v. Madison.

What was the legal issue in Sandifer v. U.S. Steel Corp (2014)?

Whether the time employees spent putting on and taking off protective gear should be compensated.

How does the Supreme Court exert its power as a policy maker?

By interpreting legal issues and making rulings that set policies.

What does the authority of a court to hear cases that have been decided in lower courts refer to?

Appellate jurisdiction.

What impact does judicial independence have on the judicial branch?

It ensures that judges can make rulings free from political pressure, maintaining the rule of law.