The Supreme Court is established by Article III of the Constitution as the final authority on interpreting the Constitution. It consists of 9 Justices including the Chief Justice, who are nominated by the President and approved by the Senate. The Court operates in two-week cycles from October to May, where it hears oral arguments from attorneys on cases and debates them in private conference before deciding by vote, with the majority opinion and potential concurring or dissenting opinions.
5. Article III
Final authority on the meaning of the Constitution
Judicial Review established by Marbury v. Madison
ORIGINS OF THE COURT
6. Chief Justice (John Roberts)
8 Associate Justices
Appointed by Pres, with Senate confirmation
Life-time appointment
THE MAKE-UP OF THE COURT
7. 2 week cycles from October to early May
Oral arguments
Attorneys prepare briefs to submit to the court before oral
arguments.
Solicitor-General normally represents the gov
Cases are debated in conference; decided by a vote
HOW THE COURT OPERATES
