The Founding Era

Scotus History

What is the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. It was established by the Constitution. The Supreme Court consists of nine justices who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The main role of the Supreme Court is to interpret the Constitution and to resolve any problems between the people and the federal government. The Supreme Court can also declare laws.

What did you learn about the Supreme Court that you didn't already know?

I haven't learned about the government or the Supreme Court since my junior year of high school which was during covid so I didn't remember a lot. I learned a lot from this reading. I didn't know that Supreme Court Justices could serve for the rest of their lives. It says in the reading that the person who served the longest was Chief Justice John Marshall who served for 34 years. I also learned that there haven't always been 9 Justices serving. In the reading, it says that the number has changed 6 times throughout the years. 

What is the most important takeaway point about the Supreme Court?

I think the most important takeaway point about the Supreme Court is how important it is in regard to making sure other branches of government don't get too much power. The Supreme Court has the power to interpret the Constitution and federal laws. The decisions of this court have a very significant effect on American society. There have been very big cases that go through the Supreme Court which have changed major laws in our country. One is Roe vs. Wade which has impacted this country a lot. The Supreme Court is essential for upholding the law and keeping America a democratic country.

What was the most surprising thing you learned?

The most surprising thing I learned from this reading was that the Chief Justice has the power to look over trials of impeachment against the president. I also thought that it was surprising that only three presidents have been impeached but all three were acquitted. They were Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump. I thought that there might be more impeachment trials than just three.