The Judicial Branch
Unit 6 Lessons
Unit 6 Exam Review Materials
Unit 6 Exam Review Materials
Unit 6 Overview
(Adapted from the MSDE Web Based Course) Rationale or Purpose for Teaching:
The purpose of this unit is to provide students with knowledge about the importance of the judicial branch to the foundations of democracy. Students begin by examining the organization, functions, and powers of the federal and state judiciary. As part of that examination, students consider the role of the judiciary as both an interpreter of laws and a check on the power of the legislative and the executive branches. They also examine and analyze the following:
In addition, students will examine the two systems of courts in the United States—the federal and the state courts. Finally, students will examine vocabulary and terminology specific to the judicial process and to both the federal and state courts.
Essential Concepts:
Essential Questions:
(Adapted from the MSDE Web Based Course) Rationale or Purpose for Teaching:
The purpose of this unit is to provide students with knowledge about the importance of the judicial branch to the foundations of democracy. Students begin by examining the organization, functions, and powers of the federal and state judiciary. As part of that examination, students consider the role of the judiciary as both an interpreter of laws and a check on the power of the legislative and the executive branches. They also examine and analyze the following:
- the role of the judiciary in expanding and guaranteeing civil rights and liberties for all Americans
- the effects of landmark Supreme Court decisions on not only the power of government but also the rights and responsibilities of citizens
In addition, students will examine the two systems of courts in the United States—the federal and the state courts. Finally, students will examine vocabulary and terminology specific to the judicial process and to both the federal and state courts.
Essential Concepts:
- The organization and power of the judicial branch provides a structure for limited government and the interpretation of the law.
- Decisions by the Supreme Court have impacted society over time.
- The courts resolve issues and maintain a balance between the common good and individual rights.
- The power of judicial review authorizes the judiciary to check the actions of the legislative and executive branches.
- The Constitution and the Bill of Rights provide protection of civil rights and civil liberties.
- The elements, proceedings and decisions in criminal and civil law provide order, structure and authority to the judiciary while protecting individual rights.
- Procedural due process protects the accused.
- The 14th Amendment focuses on due process and equal protection.
Essential Questions:
- What are the powers, structure, and organization of Federal and State courts?
- How does judicial review check the actions of the legislative and executive branches?
- How do the decisions of the Supreme Court change over time and affect the liberties of citizens?
- What is the significance of the Supreme Court decisions Marbury v. Madison, McCulloch v. Maryland, Plessy v. Ferguson, Brown v. Board of Education, Miranda v. Arizona, Gideon v. Wainwright, Tinker v. Des Moines Board of Education, and New Jersey v. T.L.O.?
- What are the elements, proceedings, and decisions in Criminal and Civil Law?
- How does the 5th Amendment due process clause protect the accused?
- What is the significance of the Incorporation Doctrine established by the Supreme Court?
- How do the Constitution and the Bill of Rights provide protection of civil rights and civil liberties?