debates and interpretations

• What is the primary function of the Supreme Court?

  To make important political rulings
• How can the Supreme Court overrule Acts of Congress?

  By declaring them unconstitutional
• What political issues do the Supreme Court rule on?

  Issues campaigned on by Republicans and Democrats
• What was ruled in the 2014 McCutcheon v FEC case?

  Campaign funding regulations
• What was the outcome of the 2010 Citizens United v FEC case?

  Regulations on campaign funding
• What did the Supreme Court rule in the 2016 Fisher v University of Texas case?

  On affirmative action policies
• Which case decided the 2000 presidential election result?

  Bush v Gore
• How is the appointment process to the Supreme Court often conducted?

  Voted by Senate politicians on party lines
• What was the Senate vote for Neil Gorsuch’s appointment?

  54-45
• What can the Supreme Court's rulings do in terms of law?

  Make and change the law
• What did the 2015 Obergefell v Hodges case legalize?

  Same-sex marriage across America
• Why is the Supreme Court considered independent?

  It is independent of the executive and legislature
• How long are Supreme Court judges appointed for?

  For life
• What principle does the Supreme Court follow in making decisions?

  Decisions based on law and the Constitution
• What is stare decisis?

  The belief in upholding precedents
• How do judges with a living constitution approach view the Constitution?

  As flexible and adaptable to change
• What does originalism advocate regarding the Constitution?

  It should remain unchanged over time
• What is a criticism of the living constitution approach?

  It gives the court a legislative role
• What is a strength of originalism?

  It leads to more stable court decisions
• How does the Supreme Court exercise its power?

  Through judicial review and policy rulings
• What landmark case established judicial review?

  Marbury v Madison
• What was ruled in the 2017 Matal v Tam case?

  Overruled a section of the Lanham Act
• What did the 2012 Miller v Alabama case rule?

  Declared life sentences for juveniles unconstitutional
• What is a potential issue with Supreme Court decisions?

  They may not represent majority public opinion
• What did the 2018 Trump v Hawaii case uphold?

  President Trump’s travel restrictions
• How can Congress check the power of the Supreme Court?

  By impeaching judges and passing amendments
• What did the 26th Amendment accomplish?

  Lowered voting age to 18
• What did the 19th Amendment achieve?

  Gave women the right to vote
• Why does the Supreme Court lack enforcement power?

  It relies on Congress and the executive
• How does public opinion act as a check on the Supreme Court?

  Justices are aware of public reactions
• What was the outcome of the 2012 National Federation of Independent Business v Sebelius case?

  Upheld the Affordable Care Act
• What is the role of the media regarding Supreme Court justices?

  To portray justices and their ideologies
• How can a justice's past connections to a president affect their role?

  It may influence their decisions and rulings
• What was a significant issue with Justice Fortas's relationship with President Johnson?

  He shared court deliberation information
• What impact did Bush v. Gore (2000) have?

  Determined the winner of the presidential election
• What was the significance of Justice Kavanaugh's confirmation process?

  Faced intense scrutiny over misconduct allegations
• How did media portrayals affect Justice Clarence Thomas's reputation?

  Accusations of sexual harassment tarnished it
• What was the public reaction to Justice Thomas's confirmation?

  He faced scrutiny from abortion rights activists
• What is a fundamental role of the Supreme Court justices?

  To protect the rights of all Americans
• How does the lifetime appointment of justices promote stability?

  It ensures long-term legal consistency