AP US GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Chapter 14 – The Judiciary
Name____________________________
Read this chapter and, as you read, prepare the following 3-part description for each term/concept:
• Fully define the term IN YOUR OWN WORDS
• Explain the significance of the term in American government
• Where possible, include an example to illustrate the term
Ch. 14– The Judiciary - Terms
1. Jurisdiction
2. Original Jurisdiction
3. Appellate Jurisdiction
4. Judiciary Act of 1789
5. Constitutional courts
6. Legislative courts
7. Senatorial courtesy
8. Writ of certiorari
9. Rule of four
10. Solicitor General
11. Amicus curiae brief
12. Precedent
13. Stare decisis
14. Judicial Restraint
15. Judicial Activism
16. Judicial Implementation
Extended Response
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“Brief” the case of Marbury v. Madison. Provide a short synopsis of the facts of the case, the issue
of law to be determined by the Court, the ruling made by the Court and the reasoning behind it,
and the significance of the case to American government.
Provide full and complete descriptions of the basic features and roles of the three levels of federal
courts. You may put this in a chart format if you wish.
Describe the criteria generally necessary to be nominated to the federal judiciary.
Fully explain the process to become a member of the federal judiciary.
Fully explain the process and requirements for a case to make it to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Describe the process followed by the Supreme Court for hearing and deciding a case.
Distinguish between majority, concurrent, and dissenting opinions from Court. (You may have to
go outside your text to complete this one.)
Although the Supreme Court is designed to be insulated from public opinion, when/how does
public opinion have an impact?
Identify the characteristics of, and differentiate between, the following Courts: Again, you may
need to go outside your text:
a. “Nine Old Men"
b. Warren Court
c. Burger Court
d. Rehnquist Court
e. Roberts Court