Unit Overview: The Judicial Branch is the smallest branch of our government, but it has the final say on almost all decisions because the Supreme Court has the power of Judicial Review: to make sure all laws follow the constitution. They also hear important cases and their decision becomes the law for all other similar situations across the country. The entire court system in our country runs under this branch, including county, appeals, and state courts. In this unit, you will learn the make-up of this branch, the powers of the branch, and how the law applies to you as a teenager in this country.
Power Standard 6: Learner can demonstrate their understanding of how the judicial branch works within the United States government.
Learning Target 6.1: Explain the importance of the Judicial Branch.
Class Resources for Learning Target 6.1
* Intro to Judicial Branch - Slides
* Intro to Judicial Branch - student notes
* Vocabulary Terms - definitions
Learning Target 6.2: Identify and explain why a case would be tried under criminal versus civil law.
Class Resources for Learning Target 6.2
* Trial by Jury - in class video
* How do Supreme Court Justices get appointed - in class video
* LT 6.2 Mock Trial: Background Information
* Mock Trial: ABSENT Make-Up Assignment
Learning Target 6.3: Explain the impact of a specific Supreme Court decision on the United States.
Class Resources for Learning Target 6.3
* LT 6.3 Judicial Branch stations - student sheet
* Judicial Branch stations - materials
* iCivics Game: Supreme Decision
* Supreme Court Annenberg Classroom
How do cases get to the Supreme Court?
Online Resources for LT 6.1
Online Resources for LT 6.2
Online Resources for LT 6.3
Study Guide - Student Sheet