Quiz
A Conversation with Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. on the
Origin, Nature, and Importance of the Supreme Court
1. The United States has both federal courts and state courts. But the Supreme Court only
hears cases from the federal courts.
True
False
2. Currently there are 9 justices on the United States Supreme Court, how many votes does
it take to hear a case?
5
6
4
3
3. Many of the state courts in the United States are older than the United States Supreme
Court
True
False
4. _______________ are filed by people or organizations who are interested in the case,
but not necessarily involved. (Amicus briefs)
5. John Marshall was the ________ Chief Justice?
First
Second
Third
Fourth
6. The Chief Justice gets two votes.
True
False
7. When the Supreme Court issues a decision it is taking a position on whether the Justices
think something's a good idea or not.
True
False
8. _________ are papers explaining why one side should win and why the other should
lose.
Petitions
Briefs
Shorts
Documents of the Court
9. The Chief Justice has many special perks. For example, he or she has the final say if a
case will be heard by the Supreme Court.
True
False
10. When the Chief Justice is in the majority, the Chief Justice decides who writes the
opinion for the court.
True
False
1. The United States has both federal courts and state courts. But the Supreme Court only
hears cases from the federal courts. (False, The U.S. has both federal courts and
state courts. The Supreme Court hears cases from both types of courts.)
2. Currently there are 9 justices on the United States Supreme Court, how many votes does
it take to hear a case?
 4
3. Many of the state courts in the United States are older than the United States Supreme
Court (True)
4. _______________ are filed by people or organizations who are interested in the case,
but not necessarily involved. (Amicus briefs)
5. John Marshall was the ________ Chief Justice?
 Fourth
6. The Chief Justice gets two votes. (False, the Chief Justice gets one vote)
7. When the Supreme Court issues a decision it is taking a position on whether the Justices
think something's a good idea or not.
(False, When the Supreme Court issues a decision it is not] taking a position on
whether the Justices think something's a good idea or not. The Court is issuing a
decision based on the law.)
8. _________ are papers explaining why one side should win and why the other should
lose.
 Briefs (correct)
9. The Chief Justice has many special perks. For example, he or she has the final say if a
case will be heard by the Supreme Court. (False, The Chief Justice gets one vote just
like the other Justices and it takes 4 votes to determine if a case will be heard.)
10. When the Chief Justice is in the majority, the Chief Justice decides who writes the
opinion for the court. (True)