1. Judicial Branch & A lasting document

2. October 10th Agenda What is the major purpose of the Supreme Court?
Give 3 examples of the system of checks and balances.
Explain 2 ways that the Constitution is a lasting document.

3. JUDICIAL BRANCH: SUPREME COURT & FEDERAL COURTS
SUPREME COURT: highest court in land, made up of 9 justices – appointed by President
Reviews cases from other courts
Decides if laws are constitutional
Federal Courts: lower courts decide
on federal crime cases and interstate
conflicts.
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4. Free Template from www.brainybetty.com 2006
A Lasting Document
The authors did not want the government to become outdated so they added ideas to make the document flexible.
The words of the Constitution are specific enough not to be misunderstood, but flexible enough adjust with the times.
Elastic Clause: Make laws that are “Necessary and Proper”
Amending Process
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5. Unwritten Constitution
There are some things that the government does that are NOT written into the Constitution:
Examples:
1. Lobbying: groups can work to influence laws
2. Political Parties
3. 2 term limit (until 1950’s)
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