Government Questions
1. Describe the process by which legal cases reach the Supreme Court? How does the Supreme Court decide which cases it will hear? Once a case reaches the Supreme Court, how do the Justices go about reaching their decisions? What different kinds of opinions does the court issue, and what is the significance of each?
2. How is the Judicial system of the United States organized? What is the role of State courts in this system? At what points do the role of State and federal courts intersect? Do you feel the role of the Federal court system, and especially the Supreme Court, is exaggerated in the popular mind? Why do you think this? Why do you think the "Federal court myth" exists?
3. What is the difference between judicial self-restraint and judicial activism? How do judges make law? Should judges make law? Why or why not? What do you believe to be the proper role of the federal court system in a constitutional democracy?