#AP US Government: Judicial Branch Study Guide

Hey! Let's get you prepped for the AP Gov exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the big day. We'll break down the Judicial Branch, its checks and balances, and how it all fits together. Let's make sure you're feeling confident and ready to ace this!

#⚖️ The Judicial Branch: An Overview

The Judicial Branch, primarily the Supreme Court, is all about interpreting the Constitution and ensuring laws are applied fairly. But it doesn't operate in a vacuum. It's subject to checks and balances from the other branches. Let's dive in!

This is a high-value topic! Expect to see questions on checks and balances in both MCQs and FRQs. Understanding this is crucial for the exam.

#🏛️ Checks on the Supreme Court

#Legislative Branch (Congress) 📝

Congress has several ways to keep the Supreme Court in check:

• Impeachment: Congress can impeach and remove federal judges, including Supreme Court Justices, for "high crimes and misdemeanors." It's like a super serious "you're fired" button. 🚨

• Overruling Decisions: Congress can pass laws that contradict Supreme Court decisions or limit the scope of judicial review. Think of it as Congress saying, "Nice try, Court, but we're going to clarify this."

• Power of the Purse: Congress controls the Supreme Court's budget. No money, no resources! 💰

• Confirmation Power: The Senate must approve presidential nominations to the Supreme Court. This is a big deal because it shapes the Court's ideology.

#Executive Branch (President) 👑

The President also has significant checks on the Supreme Court:

• Appointments: The President nominates Supreme Court Justices, and the Senate must approve. This is a huge deal for shaping the court's directio...