2. Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 2 What is the function of the Supreme Court? Supreme Court’s main job is to decide whether laws are Constitutional. Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in Cases that involve diplomats from foreign countries Cases in which a state is involved In all other instances, Supreme Court hears cases on appeal from lower district courts or federal regulatory agencies.

3. Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 3 What is the function of the Supreme Court? (cont’d) The Supreme Court is not required to hear all cases presented to it. The Supreme Court has final authority in cases involving The U.S. Constitution Acts of Congress Treaties with other nations The Supreme Court’s decisions are binding on lower courts.

4. Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 4 What is the function of the Supreme Court? (cont’d) The Supreme Court is made up of eight justices led by one chief justice. Justices’ main duty is to hear and rule on cases. Chief justice has additional duties.

5. Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 5 What is the function of the Supreme Court? (cont’d) Senators: President should have fairly free hand in appointing new justices. But Senate has also rejected many presidential nominees because of Doubts about qualifications Legal philosophy of nominees

6. Judicial Recap Main Job of Judicial Branch Who? Where? Term How Selected? Landmark Cases Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 6

7. Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 7 What is the function of the Supreme Court? (cont’d) Supreme Court justices are always lawyers. Political support and agreement with president’s ideas are important. Thurgood Marshall First African American justice Sandra Day O’Connor First female justice

8. Landmark Cases of the Supreme Court Marbury v. Madison - Judicial Review - 1803 Dred Scot v. United States - Slaves and Property - 1857 Brown v. Board of Education - 1954 Gideon v. Wainwright - Right to Council - 1963 Miranda v. Arizona - Rights upon Arrest - 1966 http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/brown-v-board/ brown v. board short video – media

9. Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 9 Lesson review Function of the legislative branch Make new laws Address issues facing the country Typical session of Congress lasts from January until November or December. May also meet for a special session or a joint session

10. Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 10 Lesson review (cont’d) Two parts of Congress House of Representatives Senate House of Representatives Larger body: 435 voting members Members allotted to states according to population

11. Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 11 Lesson review (cont’d) Senate 100 members, 2 from each state Each senator represents entire state Terms of 6 years Elections staggered

12. Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 12 How many votes are needed? To pass with 2/3’s majority in Senate? 2/3 of 100 = ?? To pass with 2/3’s majority in House? 2/3 of 435 = ?? To pass both Senate and House? 2/3 of 535 = ?? To pass ¾ of states? ¾ of 50 = ??