National Government: The Judicial Branch
Session 13: Sample Assessment Items

Asterisk (*) indicates correct answer.

1.     Prepare a chart that compares the Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals, and the United States District Court. Include in the chart whether juries are used in the different courts and how cases arrive at the courts.

2.     Explain how the judicial branch checks on the executive branch.

3.     Explain the checks the legislative branch has on the judicial branch.

4.     Explain the checks the executive branch has on the judicial branch.

5.     Explain how Supreme Court Justices are selected and how long they serve.

6.     How many justices are on the United States Supreme Court?
A.    7 justices
B.    9 justices*
C.    13 justices
D.    20 justices

7.     The Unites States Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appeals have which of the following in common?
A.    Both courts have judges but no jury*
B.    Both establish a limited on length of a judge’s term
C.    Both courts hear cases only against individuals
D.    Both courts hear only capital cases

8.     The United States Supreme Court provides a check on the legislative branch of the United States government by
A.    reviewing foreign policy established by the President.
B.    determining whether sufficient evidence exist to prosecute governors.
C.    recommending new legislation to members of Congress.
D.    determining the constitutionality of laws passed by Congress.*

9.     The United States Supreme Court established itself as an equal branch of government under which one of the following Chief Justices?
A.    Warren Burger
B.    John Marshall*
C.    John Jay
D.    Roger Taney