1. Powers of the Supreme Court
The U.S. Supreme Court
Chapter 8 Sections 3 and 4
It is the most powerful court in the United States. Its decisions can only be overturned by itself. It is made up of one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices.
Powers of the Supreme Court
Judicial Review - decides whether laws or actions by officials are constitutional.
Interprets the laws that are passed by Congress.

2. The Current Members of the Supreme Court
Clarence Thomas
Ruth Ginsburg
Stephen Breyer
Samuel Alito
Sonia Sotomayor
Chief Justice
John Roberts
Anthony Kennedy
Antonin Scalia
John Paul Stevens

3. 2 Types of Cases in which the Supreme Court has Original Jurisdiction:
Supreme Court Cases
Most cases heard by the Supreme court are appeals cases from lower federal or state courts or cases that deal with Constitutional issues. 4 out of the 9 Justices must agree to hear a case for the Supreme Court to rule on it.
2 Types of Cases in which the Supreme Court has Original Jurisdiction:
Cases involving foreign governments
Cases that have a state as a plaintiff or defendant

4. What happens during a Supreme Court case?
The Justices read written arguments and hear oral arguments.
The Justices discuss the case and make a decision. 5 out of 9 Justices must agree for a decision to be made.
The Justices write an opinion to explain what they decided and why. These help establish precedents to guide future decisions.

5. What influences the Justices decisions?
“Stare Decisis” - it is the belief that the courts should follow precedents and let past decisions stand when it is possible.
Social Conditions – Moods of the U.S. citizens can effect court decisions.
The personal beliefs of the Justices and their view of the Constitution effects how they rule on cases.

6. Important Supreme Court Decisions
Marbury vs. Madison (1803) - Judicial Review. Gave the court the power to decide what the Constitution means.
McCulloch vs. Maryland (1819) - Gave Congress additional implied powers. It established that federal was more powerful than state law.
Plessy vs. Ferguson(1896) - Separate but Equal. Established that blacks and whites could be separated as long as facilities were created equal.

7. Important Supreme Court Decisions
4. Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas (1954) - Outlawed Segregation. Said that no separation could really be equal because it made one race inferior.
5. Gibbons vs. Ogden (1824) – It allowed Congress, not the states, to regulate interstate trade and intrastate trade. It gave more power to the Federal Government.