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A2 GOVT AND POL: THE SUPREME COURT

A2 GOVT AND POL: THE SUPREME COURT. 10:00-10:25 Mind Map Revision Summary of Topics: the constitution, congress, the presidency, the supreme court, elections, political parties and pressure groups, judiciary 10:25 -10:30 Summary of Revision with Q and A

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A2 GOVT AND POL: THE SUPREME COURT

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  1. A2 GOVT AND POL: THE SUPREME COURT 10:00-10:25 Mind Map Revision Summary of Topics: the constitution, congress, the presidency, the supreme court, elections, political parties and pressure groups, judiciary 10:25 -10:30 Summary of Revision with Q and A 10:30-10:35 Student Research/Reading: What is the Supreme Court? 10: 35-11:15 What is the Supreme Court? -PP Overview with notes Strengths and Weaknesses of the Supreme Court –PP overview with notes Video: The People Versus Larry Flynt 11:15 -11:30 Timed Essay: 10 minute planning with q and a 11:40 -12:00 Timed Essay on Supreme Court: 20 mins Homework
  2. Revision Mindmap Create a visual mind map using the pictures (cut and paste them) Label each picture with a: Heading, short description of functions, strengths and weaknesses (criticisms) Constitution Congress The Presidency The Supreme Court Elections Political Parties and Pressure Groups Judiciary
  3. What is the Supreme Court? In 5 minutes using your text books and or the net: Write 2/3 sentences that summarise the role/function of the supreme court.
  4. What is the Supreme Court? The United States Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice of the United States and eight associate justices. At its discretion, and within certain guidelines established by Congress, the Supreme Court each year hears a limited number of the cases it is asked to decide. Those cases may begin in the federal or state courts, and they usually involve important questions about the Constitution or federal law. http://www.uscourts.gov/FederalCourts/UnderstandingtheFederalCourts/SupremeCourt.aspx
  5. Key Facts Read through the overview of key facts regarding the Supreme Court and highlight
  6. Arguments for and Against the role of the Court…………. Strengths of Court: Independent from congress Under constitution has power to apply, interpret and shape laws at federal level * Is a very powerful tool for US Presidents to shape political debates, direction & have a long lasting effect for the future* Can be a tool for change/radicalism: Judicial Activism: ‘A court that leads the way in the reform of American Society’ (Earl Warren, 1950’s in Brown V Board Education of Topeka (1954) Warren Burger in Roe V Wade (1973) Can have a balancing effect ‘separation of powers’ in face of strong presidencies or a dominant congress (GW, Bush –Justice John Roberts has been liberal in face of changes) Judicial/Legal Expertise: Highest judges in US system: have vast resources, skills, experience. .
  7. Arguments against Supreme Court Politicised System: Justices appointed by the president . ( Reagan, William Rehnquiest, 1986-2005) 90% of justices of same political views Can stop political change if court is dominated by liberals/conservatives (see pg…..history of courts and handout on ‘eras’) (Rehnquiest court, Reaganism) Very Static to radical change: No set time justices serve, can serve for life. Bill Clinton never appointed a Chief Justice like Bush, Reagan.
  8. Activity: The People Versus Larry Flynt 5 mins: Google the film, find out what its about The People Versus Larry Flynt How is the film an illustration of the ‘political power’ of the court?
  9. Some Presidents will have more power over legal direction if they appoint chief justices/justices (not a fair/equal appointment system) Some judges lack judicial experience/expertise (Reagan-Sandra Day O Connor from Arizona State Court , rather than from courts of appeals) Can be subject to Lobbyist/Pressure groups: Groups such as National Rifle Association, Pro Life target similar minded justices
  10. Cant enforce laws, rely on relationship with president/congress. For ex, many public schools held classroom prayers long after the Court had banned government-sponsored religious activities
  11. Timed Essay: Supreme Court Create an essay plan Using examples, discuss the role of the Supreme Court. (20 minutes) 20 Marks Remember! Use the marking system as your guide: 20 marks= approx 20 mins Always allow time for planning (20 mins: 2-3 mins for plan, 2-3 mins for reading over at end) Spend longer on the discussion (analysis) Always try and include examples for every argument, criticism, strength or comparison
  12. Timed Essay Using examples, discuss the role of the Supreme Court. (20 minutes) 20 Marks
  13. HOMEWORK FOR 25/03/13 Activity: Who were the key appointments under George W Bush and what impact did they have? (names) (pg 299 -302, Bennett) Who are the current nine justices (and chief) of the Supreme Court? (GOOGLE) What is the background of Obamas appointees (Sotomeyer and Kagan)?(GOOGLE) What are the implications for the Obama Administration? What criticisms can you identify of the appointment and confirmation process? (list at least 4) (pg 302-304) Add on to your big mindmap with pictures!
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