Tools for Shaping Policy

1. Tools for Shaping Policy • The Court determines policy in three ways: 1. using judicial review; 2. interpreting laws; 3. overruling or reversing its previous decisions. • Using judicial review, the Court may examine laws and actions at all levels of government and cancel them if they violate the Constitution. 8

2. The Court and Society • Although insulated from public opinion and political pressures, the Court needs public support; its authority depends in part on public acceptance. • Justices are influenced by the values and beliefs of society; their decisions usually reflect important societal changes. 9

3. Balancing Court’s power The justices Voting blocs- coalition of justices on the Court who take consistent positions on issues Swing vote- justice whose vote is a deciding vote and often is not consistent with each bloc Relations- personal conflicts can divide the Court; harmony amongst justices likely to lead to common solutions to problems • Presidential- appoints justices and judges • Congressional • re-enact a law in different form if Court has deemed it unconstitutional • Senate confirmation by majority vote • Constitutional amendment • Determining justices raises, if any • Determines number of justices 10