The Judicial Branch: Understanding its Role
This worksheet covers the structure, functions, and importance of the Judicial Branch of the U.S. government for Grade 10 Social Studies students.
Includes
Standards
Topics
The Judicial Branch
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. For multiple-choice questions, select the best option. For fill-in-the-blank and short answer questions, write your responses in the space provided.
1. What is the primary role of the Judicial Branch of the U.S. government?
To enforce laws
To make laws
To interpret laws and the Constitution
To declare war
2. How many justices serve on the U.S. Supreme Court?
5
7
9
13
3. The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional is known as .
4. Federal judges and justices are appointed by the and confirmed by the .
5. All federal court cases begin in the Supreme Court.
True
False
6. The Constitution outlines specific qualifications, such as age and citizenship, for becoming a Supreme Court Justice.
True
False
7. Briefly explain the concept of 'judicial review' and its significance in the American system of government.
8. Describe the difference between original jurisdiction and appellate jurisdiction.
Match each term on the left with its definition on the right.
9. Precedent
a. A formal request by an appellant to a higher court to review the decision of a lower court.
10. Stare Decisis
b. The principle that courts should follow precedents.
11. Writ of Certiorari
c. A legal principle or rule established in a previous legal case that is either binding on or persuasive for a court or other tribunal when deciding subsequent cases with similar issues or facts.