Describe the structure of federal courts. Be sure to discuss the courts' jurisdiction.
What will be an ideal response?
The ideal answer should include:
1. The structure has three tiers: district courts, courts of appeals, and the Supreme Court.
2. District courts are courts with original jurisdiction, where the vast majority of cases are tried first. There are 89 district courts in the United States.
3. Courts of appeals are the mid-level courts with appellate jurisdiction. These courts can only hear cases that reach them through the process of appeals-they do not have original jurisdiction. They typically feature a panel of three judges hearing each case.
4. The U.S. Supreme Court is the highest court in the country and has both original and appellate jurisdiction. Most cases reach the Court through the process of appeals; it can be thought of as the court of last resort as far as appeals are concerned. The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction that is limited to the types of cases delineated in the Constitution.
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How does the Democratic Party allocate delegates at the national party convention?
a. through a winner-take-all system, with all of a state's delegates going to the winner of the primary b. through a proportional system, in which candidates receive delegates in proportion to their share of the primary vote c. through a combination of winner-take-all and proportional voting d. through a vote of the "superdelegates"
What has led to an increasing interconnectedness among people of the world in recent decades?
a. Growth of the world population b. Increases in wealth c. Benevolent dominance of the United States d. Developments in technology and telecommunications e. Spread of democracy and human rights
The Supreme Court adapts the Constitution to modern situations through which of the following?
A. Formal amendment methods B. Stare decisis C. Natural law D. Judicial review E. Bills of attainder
Explain how affirmative action programs permit racial classifications.
What will be an ideal response?