#AP US Government: The Judicial Branch - Your Ultimate Study Guide ⚖️

Hey there, future AP Gov rockstar! Let's break down the Judicial Branch and make sure you're totally prepped for exam day. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, packed with everything you need to ace this section. Let's get started!

#🏛️ Introduction to the Judicial Branch

The Judicial Branch is the third branch of the U.S. government, responsible for interpreting laws and ensuring they align with the Constitution. It's like the referee of our government, making sure everyone plays by the rules. Think of it as the branch that ensures fairness and justice!

#🤔 Key Questions to Consider

• What's the main job of the Judicial Branch?
• What is judicial review, and how did it come about?
• How does the judiciary help keep the government balanced?
• How does the judicial branch protect our individual rights?
• What's the relationship between the judicial branch and the other branches?
• Why is it important for the judiciary to be independent?
• How does the judiciary interpret laws and resolve disputes?
• What's the role of the Supreme Court?
• How are judges and justices appointed?
• How does the judicial branch ensure the government follows the Constitution?

#🔑 Key Terms

• Judicial Branch: The court system. 🏛️
• Judicial Review: The power to declare laws unconstitutional. 📜
• Marbury v. Madison: The 1803 case that established judicial review. 👨‍⚖️
• Federalist No. 78: Hamilton's essay on the importance of an independent judiciary. ✍️
• Separation of Powers: Dividing power among the three branches. ➗
• Balance of Power: Ensuring no single branch becomes too powerful. ⚖️
• Constitutionality: Whether a law follows the Constitution. ✅
• Individual Rights and Liberties: Freedoms protected by the Constitution. 🗽
• Dispute Resolution: How conflicts are settled. 🤝
• Supreme Court: The highest court in the U.S. 🔝

The Judicial Branch is a crucial check on the other branches, ensuring they don't overstep their constitutional bounds. It's all about maintaining a balanced government and protecting individual rights. This is a high-value topic, so make sure you understand it well!

#⚖️ Judicial Review: The Power to Say "No"

Judicial review is the awesome power of the courts, especially the Supreme Court, to review laws and actions of the legislative and executive branches. If the courts find something unconstitutional, they can strike it down. This power is not explicitly stated in th...