Test your civics knowledge with this short quiz. Click on the slider next to your answers under each question, but be careful—once you click on it, your answer is locked in! Like our favorite teachers, we encourage you to read through all the questions before you answer. Good luck!
#1. How many justices currently serve on the U.S. Supreme Court?
Since 1869, the Supreme Court has had nine justices: one chief justice and eight associate justices. Congress has the authority to change this number but has not done so in over 150 years.
#2. What is the primary function of the United States Supreme Court?
The primary function of the United States Supreme Court is to interpret the law and determine whether those laws align with the U.S. Constitution.
#3. What is the primary purpose of a writ of habeas corpus?
A writ of habeas corpus is a legal order that requires a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or court. It ensures that an individual’s detention is lawful and gives them a chance to challenge that detention. This protection is rooted in the Constitution (Article I, Section 9) and is considered a fundamental safeguard of individual liberty against arbitrary imprisonment.
#4. What is judicial review?
Judicial review, established in Marbury v. Madison (1803), allows the Supreme Court to the power of the court to examine the constitutionality of laws and actions of the other branches of government, asserting its role as the final interpreter of the Constitution.
#5. What kind of cases does the Supreme Court usually decide?
The Supreme Court focuses on big questions about what the Constitution means and how laws apply to everyone in the country.
Results
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