Day 33 - Judicial Review Recap

Learning Targets:  Students will be able to....

• Explain the principle of judicial review and how it checks the power of other institutions and state governments.
• Explain how the exercise of judicial review in conjunction with life tenure can lead to debate about the legitimacy of the Supreme Court’s power.
• Explain how other branches in the government can limit the Supreme Court’s power. 

Opener: Judicial Review Review

Given that Judicial Review is typically seen as the last "check" in the game of checks and balances, what recourse do we have as citizens if the court issued a decision that the vast majority of the nation disagreed with?  Hint:  Think constitutionally rather than politically.

Activity #1:  Test Prep Mini-Essay

The judicial branch is often assumed to be insulated from politics. However, politics affects many aspects of the judiciary.

(a) Describe two political factors that affect presidents’ decisions to appoint members of the federal judiciary. 

(b) Identify two political factors that affect the confirmation process of a president’s nominees and explain how each factor complicates a confirmation. 

(c) Explain how one legislative power serves as a check on court decisions. 

(d) Explain how one executive power serves as a check on court decisions.

Close:  Check-in

Just let me know how you are doing and if you have any questions or concerns moving forward.  Enjoy the weekend.