Unit 2a: Interactions Among Branches of Government - Judicial Branch

Vocabulary flashcards based on essential knowledge statements and Knowt terms regarding the Judicial Branch and Supreme Court.

article III

The section of the Constitution that sets forth the foundation for powers of the judicial branch and the argument for how its independence checks the power of other branches.

federal court system

The system of national courts whose powers and independent structure to check other branches are established in Article III and Federalist Paper #78.

federalist paper #78

An essay setting forth the foundation for powers of the judicial branch and the argument for how its independence checks the power of other branches.

stare decisis

A legal principle that plays an important role in judicial decision making.

case precedent

Prior judicial decisions that may be established anew or rejected due to ideological changes in the composition of the Supreme Court resulting from presidential appointments.

marubry v. madison (1803)

A foundational court decision relating to judicial power and independence, enabling the Court to deliver controversial decisions and exercise judicial review.

judicial review

The power of the courts to review actions, the ongoing debate and differing interpretations of which illustrate political discussion about the Supreme Court's power.

judicial activism

The philosophy asserting that judicial review allows the courts to overturn current Constitutional and case precedent or invalidate legislative or executive acts.

judicial restraint

The philosophy asserting that judicial review should be constrained to decisions that adhere to current Constitutional and case precedent.

congressional legislation

Legislation passed by Congress used as a restriction on the Supreme Court to modify the impact of prior Supreme Court decisions or impact court jurisdiction.

constitutional amendments

Formal changes to the Constitution that represent a restriction on the Supreme Court by altering or overriding judicial decisions.

judicial appointments

Presidential nominations of life-tenured justices that represent a long-lasting presidential influence and can alter the ideological composition of the Supreme Court.

judicial confirmations

Senate approvals of presidential judicial nominees, serving as an important check on presidential appointment power.

presidents and states

Entities that can place restrictions on the Supreme Court's impact by evading or ignoring Supreme Court decisions.

court jurisdiction

The scope of authority given to the court to hear cases, which can be restricted or altered through legislative action.