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10:00-10:25 Mind Map Revision Summary of Topics: the
constitution, congress, the presidency, the supreme court,
elections, political parties and pressure groups, judiciary
10:25 -10:30 Summary of Revision with Q and A
10:30-10:35 Student Research/Reading: What is the Supreme
Court?
10: 35-11:15 What is the Supreme Court? -PP Overview with
notes
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Supreme Court –PP overview
with notes
Video: The People Versus Larry Flynt
11:15 -11:30 Timed Essay: 10 minute planning with q and a
11:40 -12:00 Timed Essay on Supreme Court: 20 mins
Homework
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Create a visual mind map using the pictures (cut and paste
them)
Label each picture with a:
Heading, short description of functions, strengths and
weaknesses (criticisms)
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Constitution
Congress
The Presidency
The Supreme Court
Elections
Political Parties and Pressure Groups
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Judiciary
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In 5 minutes using your text books and or the
net:
Write 2/3 sentences that summarise the
role/function of the supreme court.
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The United States Supreme Court consists of the
Chief Justice of the United States and eight
associate justices. At its discretion, and within
certain guidelines established by Congress, the
Supreme Court each year hears a limited number
of the cases it is asked to decide. Those cases may
begin in the federal or state courts, and they
usually involve important questions about the
Constitution or federal law.
http://www.uscourts.gov/FederalCourts/UnderstandingtheFederalCourts/S
upremeCourt.aspx
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Read through the overview of key facts
regarding the Supreme Court and highlight
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Strengths of Court:
Independent from congress
Under constitution has power to apply, interpret and shape
laws at federal level *
Is a very powerful tool for US Presidents to shape political
debates, direction & have a long lasting effect for the future*
Can be a tool for change/radicalism: Judicial Activism: ‘A
court that leads the way in the reform of American Society’
(Earl Warren, 1950’s in Brown V Board Education of Topeka
(1954) Warren Burger in Roe V Wade (1973)
Can have a balancing effect ‘separation of powers’ in face of
strong presidencies or a dominant congress
(GW, Bush –Justice John Roberts has been liberal in face of
changes)
Judicial/Legal Expertise: Highest judges in US system: have
vast resources, skills, experience.
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Politicised System: Justices appointed by the
president . ( Reagan, William Rehnquiest, 19862005) 90% of justices of same political views
Can stop political change if court is
dominated by liberals/conservatives (see
pg…..history of courts and handout on ‘eras’)
(Rehnquiest court, Reaganism)
Very Static to radical change: No set time
justices serve, can serve for life. Bill Clinton
never appointed a Chief Justice like Bush,
Reagan.
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5 mins: Google the film, find out what its about
The People Versus Larry Flynt
How is the film an illustration of the ‘political
power’ of the court?
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Some Presidents will have more power over
legal direction if they appoint chief
justices/justices (not a fair/equal appointment
system)
Some judges lack judicial experience/expertise
(Reagan-Sandra Day O Connor from Arizona State Court ,
rather than from courts of appeals)
Can be subject to Lobbyist/Pressure groups:
Groups such as National Rifle Association, Pro
Life target similar minded justices
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Cant enforce laws, rely on relationship with
president/congress. For ex, many public schools held
classroom prayers long after the Court had banned governmentsponsored religious activities
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Create an essay plan
Using examples, discuss the role of the Supreme
Court. (20 minutes) 20 Marks
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Remember!
Use the marking system as your guide: 20 marks= approx 20 mins
Always allow time for planning (20 mins: 2-3 mins for plan, 2-3
mins for reading over at end)
Spend longer on the discussion (analysis)
Always try and include examples for every argument, criticism,
strength or comparison
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Using examples, discuss the role of the
Supreme Court. (20 minutes) 20 Marks
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HOMEWORK FOR 25/03/13
Activity:
Who were the key appointments under George W
Bush and what impact did they have? (names) (pg
299 -302, Bennett)
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Who are the current nine justices (and chief) of the
Supreme Court? (GOOGLE)
What is the background of Obamas appointees
(Sotomeyer and Kagan)?(GOOGLE)
What are the implications for the Obama
Administration?
What criticisms can you identify of the
appointment and confirmation process? (list at
least 4) (pg 302-304)
Add on to your big mindmap with pictures!
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