The Judicial Branch online exercise for - Free Printable

Here's the complete solution to the worksheet “The Judicial Branch,” with explanations for each answer.

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## Matching: Match each term with its description.

| # | Term | Correct Letter | Explanation |
|---|---------------|----------------|-------------|
| 1 | appeal | H | An appeal is when a person asks a higher court to review a decision after losing a case. |
| 2 | laws | E | The judicial branch interprets and determines if laws are fair or constitutional (i.e., if they’ve been broken or violate rights). |
| 3 | Supreme | G | “Supreme” refers to the Supreme Court — the highest court in the United States. |
| 4 | justices | B | There are nine Supreme Court justices who serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. |
| 5 | jury | J | A jury is a group of citizens who hear evidence and make decisions in trials. |
| 6 | circuit courts| C | Circuit courts are also known as U.S. Courts of Appeals — they hear appeals from district courts. |
| 7 | president | I | The President nominates (appoints) Supreme Court justices, subject to Senate approval. |
| 8 | life | D | Supreme Court justices serve for life (or until retirement/ resignation), ensuring independence. |
| 9 | Constitution | F | Justices interpret and defend the Constitution — it’s their main job to ensure laws align with it. |
| 10| legislative | A | The legislative branch (Congress) makes laws. |

✔ Matching Answers:
1. H
2. E
3. G
4. B
5. J
6. C
7. I
8. D
9. F
10. A

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## Multiple Choice: Choose the best answer.

11. Which of the following situations would be least likely to move to a federal district court?

Correct Answer: D. A disagreement between two people living in the same state.

🔹 *Explanation:* Federal courts typically handle cases involving:
- Federal laws
- Disputes between citizens of different states (diversity jurisdiction)
- Constitutional issues

A simple disagreement between two people living in the same state usually belongs in state court unless it involves federal law or a constitutional issue.

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12. How is the president’s choice for a justice “checked” by the legislative branch?

Correct Answer: B. They must approve the nomination.

🔹 *Explanation:* The President nominates a Supreme Court justice, but the Senate (part of the legislative branch) must confirm the nominee by majority vote. This is part of the system of checks and balances.

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13. How is the U.S. Courts of Appeals different than a Federal Court?

Note: The question is slightly misleading — “Federal Court” can refer to any court under the federal system (including district courts, appeals courts, and the Supreme Court). But based on context, it’s comparing Courts of Appeals with District Courts (trial courts).

Correct Answer: C. There are more judges and no jury.

🔹 *Explanation:*
- U.S. Courts of Appeals hear appeals — they review decisions from lower courts.
- They do not use juries; instead, panels of 3 judges review legal arguments.
- District Courts (the “federal trial courts”) often have juries and one judge.

So, Appeals Courts have more judges per case (usually 3) and no jury, unlike trial-level federal courts.

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14. What is the main purpose of the judicial branch?

Correct Answer: A. To determine if the laws are fair or if they have been broken.

🔹 *Explanation:* The judicial branch interprets laws, resolves disputes, and determines whether laws or actions violate the Constitution (i.e., whether they are “fair” or “broken”). It does NOT make or enforce laws — that’s the job of the legislative and executive branches.

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## ✔ Final Answers Summary:

Matching:

1. H
2. E
3. G
4. B
5. J
6. C
7. I
8. D
9. F
10. A

Multiple Choice:

11. D
12. B
13. C
14. A

Let me know if you’d like a printable version or further explanation!