The Judicial Branch

The United States government has three

branches: the executive branch, the judicial
branch, and the legislative branch. Each of
these branches has a certain job. The
legislative branch of the U.S. government
makes laws. The executive branch enforces
them. The judicial branch decides if the laws
are fair or if they have been broken. Many
courts make up this branch, with the
Supreme Court at the top. The three
branches of government share and balance power, known as checks and balances.
Each branch can overturn another’s decision.
Courts
Federal courts deal mostly with civil law, involving disagreements. These cases can
be settled in state courts, or they may move to a federal court. State laws can
vary, while federal laws apply across the country. A trial moves to a federal
district court if the people in dispute do not live in the same state, a federal law
has been broken, or a person’s rights have been violated. A trial has a judge and a
jury. The jury decides who is right. If a person loses, they may appeal, and move
the case to a higher court. U.S. Courts of Appeals, known as circuit courts, are
higher than district courts. They have more judges, but there is no jury. The judge
may change the lower court’s decision. If they do not, there is one more court
of appeal.
Supreme Court
How does a case go to The Supreme Court is the highest court. It has
the Supreme Court? nine justices that are appointed by the
president. The Senate approves the president’s
Supreme choice and then the justices serve for life.
Court They take two oaths and promise to be fair
and defend the United States Constitution. The
Constitution is a written document that
State U.S. Court describes the government’s powers and
Supreme of people’s rights, like basic freedoms. This
Court Appeals includes the freedom of speech, religion, and
the press. Supreme Court justices pick cases
that may affect these. The justices hear
State Federal
cases, do research, meet to discuss, and then
Court of Trial must agree on each decision. The Supreme
©Teaching to the Middle

Appeals Court Court has decided many important cases that

have changed how we live. For example, they
State decided separate school based on race is
Trial wrong. Each year about 7,500 cases are sent
to the Supreme Court, but the justices usually
Court
only hear about 150.
 Ashton Gopaul
Name_________________________________________

The Judicial Branch

Matching: Match each term with its description.
H appeal
1. ____ A. Branch that makes laws
E laws
2. ____ B. There are nine of these on the Supreme Court
G Supreme
3. ____ C. Also known as the U.S. Courts of Appeals
B justices
4. ____ D. Supreme Court justices serve for this
J jury
5. ____ E. The judicial branch determines if these are fair
C circuit courts
6. ____ F. Supreme Court justices defend this document
I president
7. ____ G. Top court in the United States
D life
8. ____ H. A person may do this if they lose a court case
F Constitution
9. ____ I. Appoints Supreme Court Justices
A legislative
10. ____ J. Group who makes the decision on a case

Multiple Choice: Choose the best answer.

11. Which of the following situations would be least likely to move to a federal
district court?
A. The people in dispute do not live in the same state.
B. A federal law has been broken.
C. A person’s rights have been violated.
D. A disagreement between two people living in the same state.

12. How is the president’s choice for a justice “checked” by the legislative branch?
A. They limit the term that a justice can serve.
B. They must approve the nomination.
C. They have to take an oath of loyalty.
D. They protect people’s freedoms.

13. How is the U.S. Courts of Appeals different than a Federal Court?
A. There is only a jury and no judge.
B. There are nine judges.
C. There are more judges and no jury.
D. They only have justices.
©Teaching to the Middle

14. What is the main purpose of the judicial branch?

A. To determine if the laws are fair or if they have been broken.
B. To make new laws.
C. To enforce new laws.
D. To appoint Supreme Court justices.