The Judicial Branch of

Government
 What is the Judicial Branch?
• It is the branch of
government that
interprets the laws
• Local – local courts
• State – State
supreme courts
• Federal – Federal
appellate courts &
the US Supreme
Courts
 What is the Supreme Court?
• Highest court in the United States
• Solve arguments between states
• Decide cases based upon constitutional
dispute
• Cases cannot be appealed further
 What is a supreme court Justice?
• There are 9 Justices on the US Supreme
Court
• They are nominated by the President
• They have to be confirmed by the Senate
• They serve for life
• No official qualifications – all have been
lawyers
 What are some important cases?
• Marbury v. Madison (1803)- Established
the Supreme Court’s power of judicial
review

• Brown v. Board of Education (1954) -

Established that the “separate but equal”
doctrine was unconstitutional.
 How is the constitution amended?
• amendment is
proposed by the
house and senate
• 2/3 of house and
senate must agree
• It is then sent to the
states
• ¾ of the states must
approve it
 What are some other
amendments?
• 13th amendment –made Slavery illegal
• 15th amendment – could not use race or
color to stop people from voting
• 18th amendment – outlawed all alcoholic
beverages
 What are some other
amendments?
• 19th amendment – gave women the right
to vote
• 21st amendment – repealed the 18th
amendment
• 22nd amendment – president can only run
for 2 terms
• 26th amendment – gave 18 year olds the
right to vote’