Supreme Court*

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The U.S. Supreme Court: An Overview The United States Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in the country and serves as the final arbiter of constitutional questions. Established in 1789 by the U.S. Constitution, the Court plays a vital role in interpreting laws and ensuring they align with constitutional principles. Role of the Supreme Court The Supreme Court's primary responsibility is to interpret the U.S. Constitution and federal laws. It resolves disputes between states, addresses cases involving federal law, and determines the constitutionality of laws and executive actions. The Court's decisions set precedents that shape American law and society.

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Composition and StructureNumber of Justices: The Court is composed of nine justices—one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. Appointment Process: Justices are nominated by the President and must be confirmed by the Senate through a majority vote. This process ensures a balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. Term Limit: Justices serve for life terms, meaning they remain on the bench until they choose to retire, pass away, or are impeached and removed. This lifetime tenure is intended to insulate them from political pressures.

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Composition and Structure Requirements to hear a case:The Supreme Court has discretionary jurisdiction, meaning it chooses which cases to hear. For a case to reach the Court: 1. A party must file a petition for a writ of certiorari. 2. At least four justices must agree to grant the petition (the "Rule of Four").3. Cases typically involve significant constitutional questions or conflicting decisions in lower courts.

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Significant CasesThe Supreme Court's decisions have far-reaching implications, shaping the nation's laws, policies, and understanding of constitutional rights. From landmark rulings like Marbury v. Madison to modern cases like Citizens United, the Court continues to influence the course of American democracy.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Loving v. Virginia (1967)

Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)

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Loving v. Virginia (1967)

Significance: Struck down state laws banning interracial marriage, ruling that such laws violated the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of the 14th Amendment.

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Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)

Significance: Significance: Legalized same-sex marriage nationwide by ruling that the 14th Amendment guarantees the right to marry for all couples, regardless of gender.

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Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Significance: Established the principle of judicial review, empowering the Supreme Court to declare laws and actions unconstitutional. This case solidified the Court's role as a coequal branch of government.

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Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

Significance: Significance: Held that corporations and unions have First Amendment rights to spend unlimited funds on independent political advertisements. This decision significantly impacted campaign finance by allowing the creation of Super PACs.

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Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Significance: Declared that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, overturning the "separate but equal" doctrine established in Plessy v. Ferguson. This landmark ruling was a major step in the Civil Rights Movement.

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