Question

section 3 assessment reviewing ideas and terms 1. a. describe describe the background and significance of plessy v. ferguson. b. explain why is the marshall court considered so central to the nation’s history? 2. a. identify what are the main factors a president may look for in selecting a supreme court nominee? b. evaluate do you think the congress should establish formal qualifications of supreme court justices? why or why not? 3. a. define what is the meaning of the terms majority opinion, concurring opinions, and dissenting opinions?

Explanation:

1. a. Plessy v. Ferguson was a landmark 1896 U.S. Supreme - Court case that upheld racial segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine. It had a profound impact on race relations in the U.S., solidifying legalized segregation for decades.
2. b. The Marshall Court, under Chief - Justice John Marshall, was central to the nation's history as it established key principles of judicial review (Marbury v. Madison), strengthened the power of the federal government over the states, and shaped the interpretation of the Constitution.
3. a. Main factors a president may consider in selecting a Supreme - Court nominee include judicial philosophy (originalism, activism etc.), legal experience, ideology (similar to the president's), and political considerations (ability to be confirmed).
4. b. Arguments for Congress establishing formal qualifications could include ensuring a certain level of expertise and integrity. Arguments against could include that it may limit the pool of potential nominees and interfere with the president's constitutional power of appointment.
5. a. A majority opinion is signed by at least five of the nine members of the Court and represents the Court's ruling in a case. Concurring opinions agree with the overall conclusion but stress different or additional legal reasoning. Dissenting opinions are held by the minority of justices who do not agree with the ruling in the case and, while having no direct legal impact on the case, can influence future judgments.

Answer:

1. a. Plessy v. Ferguson was a 1896 U.S. Supreme - Court case upholding "separate but equal" segregation, impacting race relations for decades.
2. b. The Marshall Court was central as it established judicial review and strengthened federal power.
3. a. Factors include judicial philosophy, legal experience, ideology, and political considerations.
4. b. For: ensure expertise and integrity; Against: limit nominee pool, interfere with presidential power.
5. a. Majority opinion: represents Court's ruling (≥ 5 justices). Concurring opinion: agrees with conclusion, different reasoning. Dissenting opinion: minority view, no direct legal impact on case but can influence future judgments.