AP Government

• Does the supreme court have a specific number of justices required?


  No, Congress decides.
• What is the first level of the federal court system?

  District Court
• What is the 2nd level of the federal court system?

  Court of Appeals
• What is original jurisdiction?

  The authority of a court to hear any case for the first time.
• Can cases skip to the Supreme Court?

  Yes, under SCOTUS original jurisdiction
• What is appellate jurisdiction?

  Only cases coming from lower courts are heard
• What does the Rule of 4 say?

  4/9 justices must agree to hear a case
• What is it called when the Supreme Court reviews a ruling of a lower court?


  Certiorari
• What is another name for Stare Decisis?

  Agreeing with precedent
• What does Amicus Curiae do to a case?

  It can add information to the conversation
• What clause states Congress cannot establish a religion?

  Establishment Clause
• What clause states free exercise of religion cannot be prohibited by congress?

  Free Exercise Clause
• What does the commerce clause do?

  Gives Congress the ability to regulate interstate commerce
• What level of the federal court system has juries?

  District Court
• What cases does the 2nd level of the federal court system hear?

  Appeal cases
• If the circuit court has a ruling on a case, under what clause is the district court required to rule the same?

  Binding precedent
• What can influence but not force a judges ruling?


  Persuasive Precedent
• How does a Liberal Constructionist interpret the Constitution?


  As a living document that changes with society
• How does a Strict Constructionist interpret the Constitution?


  Using original text of the document
• What is known as the "nuclear option" in court? 


  Fillibuster
• What describes when a judge uses their own beliefs in ruling?


  Judicial activism
• What is judicial restraint?


  When a judge does not consult their own beliefs when ruling
• What is discussed in Article 3, Section 1?


  The creation of the federal court system and SCOTUS rules
• What does Article 3, Section 2 determine?


  What cases which court can preside over and the Supreme Court's original jurisdiction
• Which section of article 3 discusses treason?

  Section 3