2. The “protectors” of the Constitution Other powers include: Resolving disputes that involve national laws, the federal government, or the states People accused of breaking national laws can be tried in federal courts Consists of the system of federal courts and judges The Supreme Court is the HIGHEST court in the country

3. Article III gives Congress power to create an “inferior” court system to meet nation’s needs These lower courts are called district courts and appellate courts Most cases involving federal laws are first heard in district court. Each district covers several states. The appellate courts review district court decisions. This happens when citizens “appeal” lower court decisions.

4. Last stop in the judicial system. All decisions are FINAL and are binding in lower courts. There are nine justices in the Supreme Court. This was decided by Congress. All judges are appointed and serve for life. A dispute only goes to the Supreme Court IF it involves a state or ambassador from another country. All other cases come after a trial and an appeal in a lower court

6. Power to decide whether laws and actions by the legislative and executive branches conflict with the Constitution Gives Supreme Court great power in its role of protecting the “supreme Law of the Land” http://www.supremecourt.gov/docket/docket.aspx