Question

key concepts

1. what article of the constitution defines the judicial branch?

article iii

1. how did the supreme court get the power of judicial review?
2. how are federal justices selected and for how long do they serve?
3. who chooses what cases the supreme court will hear and what standard is used to decide which cases to hear?
4. which of the following is the main duty of the federal court system?

Explanation:

1. This is defined in the U.S. Constitution's text focused on the judiciary.
2. This power was established via a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
3. The selection follows a federal appointment process, with a lifetime tenure rule.
4. The Court uses a specific threshold to select cases, driven by its own discretion.
5. The core role of federal courts is resolving legal disputes per the law.

Answer:

1. Article III of the U.S. Constitution defines the judicial branch.
2. The Supreme Court gained the power of judicial review through the 1803 Marbury v. Madison decision, which established the Court's authority to strike down laws it deems unconstitutional.
3. Federal justices are nominated by the President of the United States, confirmed by a majority vote in the U.S. Senate, and serve lifetime tenures (during "good Behaviour" as stated in Article III).
4. The Supreme Court itself chooses which cases to hear. It uses the "rule of four": if at least four of the nine justices agree to hear a case, the Court will grant a writ of certiorari to review it.
5. The main duty of the federal court system is to interpret and apply the law, resolve legal disputes (including those involving federal law, constitutional questions, and disputes between parties from different states), and ensure equal justice under the law.