The Supreme Court of the United States

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is the head of the government's judicial branch and is the nation's highest federal court. It is the most powerful judiciary body on Earth. SCOTUS was established by the United States Constitution and has the power to make legal decisions and judgments on laws in the United States. They evaluate the constitutionality of laws and use their powers to keep the other two branches of government, executive and legislative, in check. 

The SCOTUS was originally made up of six Justices who serve on the court until they retire or die. Now there are currently nine Justices that are nominated by the President and confirmed or denied by the U.S. Senate. The highest judicial officer is the Chief Justice, who presides over the Supreme Court and sets the agenda for the weekly meetings. The Chief Justice also is required to preside over impeachment trials against the President. 

Something I was super surprised to learn about was that there are 100 new cases every week and about 7,000 a year that is considered to go to the Supreme Court. I also learned that there have only been about 100 Supreme Court Judges and Justices and I would have thought there would be way way more. The most important takeaway is the power that the Supreme Court holds and how much of an impact their decisions make in our nation as well as the world. SCOTUS has had many unprecedented cases that have greatly impacted our nation for better or worse. They have made landmark decisions in many major cases, including Brown V. Board of Education, Dred Scott v. Sandford, Roe v. Wade, and U.S. v. Nixon. The SCOTUS is revolutionary around the globe. Although I do not agree with all of the decisions made, I feel fortunate that we have this section of government that makes our Democracy and voice so much stronger.