Chapter 4: The Judiciary

Format for Chapter 4 Quest (50 points)

1o multiple choice (10 pts): review the sample multiple choice in the chapter

1 identification (10 pts): sort through the terms on the study guide and identify the BIG ones that we spent time on.

2/3 short answer (30 pts.): you will be able to answer these questions in bullet points or even diagrams where applicable. Review the guiding questions (the specific ones) on the study guide and the class agendas for this unit. Review the SmartBoard notes which are posted on the study guide as well.

Guiding Questions

• Is our court system consistent with American democracy? This is the big one but it will NOT be on the Quest.

• What are the functions of courts in American government?

• How is the American judiciary organized?

• How is an adversarial system different from an inquisitorial one?

• How is original jurisdiction different from appellate jurisdiction?

• How do cases make it to the Supreme Court?

• Why are American judges so powerful? (this will not be on the quest)

• How are American judges selected? Is this process fair? Is it democratic?

• How do interest groups use the judicial pathway of action to achieve their objectives?

• What’s the difference between original intent and the idea of a living constitution? (consider the readings in P.O.V. when answering this question).

Note Taking Guidelines

• Create a graphic organizer which illustrates the organization of the dual court system in our country.

• Create a flow chart illustrating the many ways a case can get to the Supreme Court

• Identify the sources of power for federal judges, particularly justices on the Supreme Court.

• Create a graphic organizer identifying the steps in the selection of federal judges. Indicate possible roadblocks along the way.

• Make a pro and con list for using the court pathway of action.

• Brainstorm ideas to help you answer the #1 guiding question: what role should the courts play in our democracy

Resources

Terms

You should know:

• How many federal district courts are in the United States (94) and in Louisiana (2!)
• How many federal appellate courts are in the United States (13) and in Louisiana (the Fifth!)