1. The Supreme Court
Ch. 10
Sec. 3 Pp

2. Judicial Review
The Supreme Court can overturn any law that is in conflict with the Constitution
They can only interpret a law if it relates to a specific case they are hearing

3. Marbury v. Madison
Marbury was promised a job by President Adams, but he did not get it before a new President took over (Madison)
He went directly to the Supreme Court
Established judicial review – SC can declare unconstitutional any law that violates the Constitution

4. Justices No qualifications listed in Constitution
President chooses from respected judges and lawyers, Congress approves
Chief Justice and eight associate justices

5. The Work of the Supreme Court
Choose cases they want to hear
Appeals can be denied if the judges agree with the lower court’s decision, or if there is no important point of law
Hear 100 cases
Study briefs (written arguments) and other written records
Make a decision after hearing oral arguments

6. The Work of the Supreme Court
Written opinion of decisions show how the law must be applied, or how the Constitution must be interpreted
Laws and Constitution represent the will of the people
Interpreting laws – try to determine the intentions of lawmakers
Presidents appoint people who agree with them

7. A Changing Court
50s-60s: Judicial Activism – judges played an active role in policymaking by overturning laws
70s-80s: Judicial Restraint – judges avoid overturning laws and leave policymaking to the other branches

8. The Court and Other Branches of Government
President appoints justices
Congress confirms or refuses to confirm appointments
Citizens can pressure Congress to change laws or pass amendments
Citizens can elect President who will appoint justices who agree with them.

9. Questions A Supreme Court Opinion Changes the Constitution
Interprets the Constitution
Can not be overturned
Controls Congress

10. Questions
Congress “checks” the power of the President and the Supreme Court by not
Confirming an appointment
Agreeing with court rulings
Re-electing Supreme Court Justices
Overriding a veto

11. Questions What type of cases does the Supreme Court hear?
It hears all cases
The President decides
It hears cases about Constitutional issues
Congress decides by voting