Blog Post: Week 3

The Workings of the U.S. Supreme Court and its Power

The U.S. Supreme court is the highest level of court in the United States. It is comprised of nine judges who debate, argue and formulate opinions on large matters which our country struggles to answer for its self. The work of these nine judges consists of reviewing cases, debating them, then reaching a consensus on these cases which have come to them through lower local, state and regional courts. These judges look at the given case and interpret whether the prior decisions in the lower cases are constitutional or not. This decision comes by the hefty task of interpreting the nation's 229 year old constitution.

The select group of individuals who make up the Supreme Court are elected into position by current and former presidents. After being selected, these judges or "justices" hold this position for life. Once a justices' time serving has come to an end, a new justice is appointed by the President and approved by the Senate. 

The Supreme Court embodies the Judicial branch of our government. The judicial branch works along side the executive branch and legislative branch to make up the government of the United States. The Supreme Court plays a great role in the checks and balances of our government. The power of judicial review allows the supreme court justices to decide whether actions done by congress and the president are unconstitutional. This power is derived from the notorious Marbury v. Madison case in which John Marshall deemed an act of congress unconstitutional. This decision made by Marshall in 1801 proved the importance of The Supreme Court and changed the workings of our government for the better.

Sources:

- https://www.supremecourt.gov/about/about.aspx

- https://informationstation.org/video/what-is-the-supreme-court/?utm_source=google%20grants&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=CjwKCAiA-P7xBRAvEiwAow-VaZmRx4QYR1ogRdOTmQXQx6XJhFcJqiCzdE9TEQeu9JLwpli9axZv-xoCGDUQAvD_BwE

- https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/the-judicial-branch/