The US Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States and the head of the federal judiciary, established by Article III of the Constitution. It is the only court explicitly created by the Constitution and has become one of the most powerful institutions in American politics through its power of judicial review. For Edexcel A-Level Politics, understanding the Court's role, its relationship with the other branches, and its impact on civil rights and liberties is essential.

---

Constitutional Basis

Article III, Section 1 states: "The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish."

Key features:

• Nine justices (including the Chief Justice) - though the Constitution does not specify the number
• Justices serve "during good Behaviour" - effectively a life tenure
• Justices can only be removed through impeachment (no justice has ever been removed)
• The President nominates justices, and the Senate confirms them

---

Judicial Review