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neurologyYou need to know

• The judicial branch of US government is headed by the Supreme Court, the highest court in the United States. The Supreme Court plays a central role in interpreting the Constitution, resolving disputes about federal law and deciding major cases about rights, powers and public policy.
• The Supreme Court consists of nine justices: one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. Justices are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. They serve for life, unless they resign, retire or are removed. This gives the Court a high degree of independence from electoral politics, although appointments are often politically controversial.
• The process of selection and appointment is significant because it allows presidents to shape the ideological direction of the Court, sometimes for decades. The Senate confirmation process can involve intense political conflict, especially when control of the Court may shift between more liberal and more conservative interpretations of the Constitution. The current composition of the Court matters because the balance of ideological views affects how cases are decided.
• The Court's power comes largely from judicial review, the ability to declare laws or actions of the executive and legislature unconstitutional. Although judicial review is not explicitly stated in the Constitution, it was established in Marbury v Madison (1803) and has become one of the most important features of US government.
• The Supreme Court is often described as the guardian of the Constitution because it interprets constitutional meaning and settles disputes about powers and rights. It is also seen as a protector of citizens' rights, especially through rulings on issues such as race, gender, abortion, free speech and criminal justice.
• There are competing approaches to constitutional interpretation. Strict constructionism argues that judges should interpret the Constitution closely and conservatively, sticking to its original meaning or precise wording. Loose constructionism argues that the Constitution should be interpreted more broadly and adapted to modern circumstances.
• There are also different views about how judges should behave. Judicial activism refers to judges being willing to strike down laws, expand rights or make bold constitutional rulings. Judicial restraint refers to judges showing caution, respecting elected institutions and avoiding major constitutional change unless necessary.
• The Court is politically significant because its rulings can shape public policy, settle contentious social questions and limit or expand government power. Critics argue that unelected judges can make deeply political decisions, while defenders argue that the Court is essential in protecting constitutional principles and minority rights.
• Important landmark rulings include cases such as Brown v Board of Education (1954), which ruled racial segregation in schools unconstitutional, and Roe v Wade (1973), which recognised a constitutional right to abortion at the time and triggered major political controversy. Other significant cases include United States v Nixon (1974), Bush v Gore (2000) and Obergefell v Hodges (2015).
• The judiciary has been highly influential in shaping public policy, especially in areas such as civil rights, race, gender, punishment and federalism.

• Students should be able to define and use accurately the key terms: Supreme Court, judicial activism, judicial restraint, judicial review, strict constructionism and loose constructionism.
• Students should be able to describe the structure and role of the Supreme Court, including the position of the justices and the significance of life tenure.
• Students should be able to explain the process of selection and appointment of Supreme Court judges and analyse why this process is politically important.
• Students should be able to comment on the current composition of the Court and explain why ideological balance matters.
• Students should be able to explain the nature of judicial power, especially the significance of judicial review as a power over both Congress and the President.
• Students should be able to analyse the constitutional role of the Supreme Court as both guardian of the Constitution and protector of citizens' rights.
• Students should be able to distinguish between judicial activism and judicial restraint, and between strict and loose constructionism, using examples where possible.
• Students should be able to evaluate debates about the political significance of the Supreme Court, including arguments that it is too political and arguments that it is essential to constitutional government.
• Students should be able to explain and assess at least two landmark rulings, showing the constitutional principle involved and the controversy surrounding each case.
• Students should be able to assess the significance of the judiciary in shaping one area of public policy, such as civil rights, race, gender or federalism.
• Students should be able to support analysis with relevant examples, including major cases and the actions of different Courts such as the Warren Court, Burger Court, Rehnquist Court and Roberts Court.