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Life in the USA is a complete guide to American life for immigrants and Americans. All materials on this siteCopyright © Elliot Essman 2007. All rights reserved. Home Back Next
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Life in the USA Government and Law Structure of Government
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The Judicial Branch
The Judicial Branch is composed of the Supreme Court and the Federal Courts. Members of the Supreme Court are appointed to life terms by the President though they must be confirmed by Congress. Recent attempts by presidents to appoint new members to the Supreme Court have been met with controversial and bitter Senate debates.
Judicial Review. The function of the Supreme Court is to interpret the constitution.
For example, in the 1973 decision of Roe vs. Wade, the Supreme Court handed down a
decision that led to a freer atmosphere on the abortion question. The Supreme Court might
one day reverse that decision on this controversial issue (by far the most controversial issue in
America). Hundreds of other Supreme Court decisions govern the way the law is administered
in America.
Next Section: Balance of Power Government and Law: Chapter Home
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