The Judicial Branch and Federal Court System: Key Concepts and Landmark Cases

What article of the Constitution establishes the Judicial Branch?

Article 3

What is the primary jurisdiction of federal courts?

Federal laws

What type of cases does the Supreme Court have original jurisdiction over?

Cases involving states and ambassadors

What is the significance of Federalist #78?

It justifies the need for an independent judiciary.

According to Federalist #78, why is a lifetime term for judges essential?

It allows judges to interpret the Constitution honestly and make unpopular decisions without fear of losing their jobs.

What landmark case established the principle of judicial review?

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

What was the main issue in Marbury v. Madison?

Whether Marbury had a right to his commission and if the Supreme Court could order its delivery.

What was the holding of the Supreme Court in Marbury v. Madison?

The Court found that while Marbury was entitled to his commission, it could not grant it due to a conflict with the Constitution.

What does the term 'precedent' mean in legal context?

A ruling that establishes a legal principle.

What is 'stare decisis'?

A legal principle meaning 'let the decision stand'.

What was the impact of the Dred Scott v. Sanford decision?

It declared enslaved persons as property, not citizens, and thus had no standing to sue.

What characterized the Warren Court?

It was known for its activist decisions, including Brown v. Board of Education and Miranda v. Arizona.

What was a significant ruling of the Burger Court?

Roe v. Wade, which addressed abortion rights.

What is 'judicial restraint'?

The principle that courts should limit their decisions to those that adhere to the Constitution and existing case law.

What are the checks on the Judicial Branch?

Life tenured appointments, salaries that cannot be decreased, and independence from election cycles.

What does the Supreme Court's power include?

The ability to declare laws unconstitutional.

Who was a major proponent of the preservation of an independent judiciary?

Alexander Hamilton

What is the role of the Supreme Court in relation to Congress?

The Supreme Court determines what the law is, while Congress decides what the law ought to be.

What is the significance of life tenure for judges?

It ensures judges can make decisions without fear of political repercussions.

What does the term 'ideological changes of the Court' refer to?

The shifts in judicial philosophy and decision-making over different eras.

What was a major outcome of the FDR Era regarding the Supreme Court?

The Court declared the National Industrial Recovery Act unconstitutional.

What was the outcome of the case Tinker v. Des Moines?

It upheld students' rights to symbolic speech in schools.

Who first coined the term 'Judicial Activism'?

Chief Justice Stone

What does Judicial Activism allow courts to do?

Overturn current precedent or invalidate legislative or executive acts.

What is a common reason for Judicial Activism?

To protect minority rights or meet needs not addressed by Congress.

Can Judicial Activism be liberal or conservative?

Yes, it can be either liberal or conservative.

What is one restriction on the Supreme Court's power?

Congressional legislation can modify the impact of prior SCOTUS decisions.

What was the ruling in Pollock v Farmer's Loan and Trust Company?

SCOTUS ruled that a federal income tax was unconstitutional.

What does the 16th Amendment declare?

It declares the income tax constitutional.

What is one way the President can influence the Supreme Court?

Judicial appointments can shift the ideological balance of the court.

What is a bureaucratic task related to regulations?

Writing and enforcing regulations as laws passed by Congress must be implemented.

What is an example of a law that required bureaucratic implementation?

The Voting Rights Act of 1965.

What is the role of the bureaucracy in issuing fines?

To monitor regulated industries and ensure compliance with laws.

What is an 'Issue Network'?

A web of people who specialize in a specific topic and work to implement policy.

What is 'Political Patronage'?

Rewarding loyal party members with government jobs, also known as the spoils system.

What does the Pendleton Act establish?

It prevents party loyalty from being considered in government job appointments.

What is the Hatch Act?

It forbids government employees from actively campaigning.

What is 'Discretionary Authority' in the bureaucracy?

It allows agencies to develop rules necessary for implementing laws as Congress does not outline every detail.

Name a Cabinet department responsible for law enforcement.

Department of Justice.

What does the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulate?

Interstate communications.

What is the role of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)?

To enforce labor laws.

What does the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) do?

Insures deposits up to $250,000 in the event of a bank failure.

What is one way Congress holds the bureaucracy accountable?

Through approving appointments and conducting committee hearings.

What is the 'Power of the Purse'?

Congress's ability to approve the President's budget, determining agency funding.

What is 'Compliance Monitoring'?

Ensuring that funds are used properly and regulations are followed.

What is 'red tape' in bureaucratic context?

Standard operating procedures that often have little room for exceptions.

What is a common inefficiency in bureaucracy?

Waste, where agencies spend needlessly or inefficiently.

What issue arises from duplication in bureaucratic agencies?

It creates confusion, competition, and redundancy among agencies.