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The Main Idea
The rights of all U.S. citizens are protected by laws and
the courts.
Reading Focus
In what ways is the United States a nation of laws?
What are the four sources of law in the United
States?
What roles do the courts play in the United States?
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Question: What roles do the courts play in
the United States?
The Roles that Courts Play
ensure
equal
justice for
all
SECTION 1
provide fair
public trials
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The Main Idea
The federal court system consists of the three levels of
courts, each of which has specific duties.
Reading Focus
What is the purpose of the U.S. district courts?
How are the U.S. courts of appeals different from the
district courts?
What is the role of the Supreme Court?
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SECTION 2
Question: Which cases are tried in federal
courts?
Federal Court Cases
1. constitutional violations
2. U.S. treaty violations
3. congressional law violations
4. cases between a foreign government and a U.S. citizen or
the government
5. crimes committed on U.S. ships at sea
6. cases involving U.S. ambassadors and consuls who broke
laws in their stationed countries
7. crimes committed on certain types of federal property
8. disagreements between states or citizens of different states
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The Main Idea
The Supreme Court hears appeals, reviews laws, and
strongly influences American society.
Reading Focus
What is the power of the judicial review?
What are the constitutional checks on the Supreme
Court’s powers?
How has the Supreme Court strengthened
constitutional rights?
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SECTION 3
Question: How has judicial review strengthened
the Supreme Court’s power, and how does
Congress limit this power?
Judicial
Review
Limit
Congress may pass a
similar law abiding by
the Constitution or
may try to amend the
Constitution.
Congress
Strengthen
It asserted the Court’s
power to declare laws
of Congress and
presidential acts
unconstitutional.
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Chapter 7 Wrap-Up
1. Describe the types of laws that exist in the
United States.
2. What services do U.S. courts provide?
3. Which cases are tried in federal courts?
4. How is the federal court system organized?
5. How are appointments made to the Supreme
Court, and how long do justices serve?
6. How does the Supreme Court limit Congress’s
power, and how does Congress reassert it?
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