What is the highest court in the United States?

Study for the FGCU Civic Literacy Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations, to prepare confidently. Get ready for your exam!

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States, establishing its authority over all other courts in the federal and state judicial systems. Its primary role is to interpret the Constitution and federal law, case rulings from the Supreme Court can have widespread implications, setting legal precedents that lower courts are required to follow. This court consists of nine justices, including a Chief Justice, and it has the power of judicial review, allowing it to invalidate laws and executive actions that it finds unconstitutional.

In contrast, the other options represent different levels of the judicial hierarchy. The Court of Appeals and District Courts are important components of the federal judicial structure, but they are subordinate to the Supreme Court in terms of authority and decision-making power. The Circuit Court, which may refer to various courts depending on state definitions, also does not have the same nationwide authority as the Supreme Court. This hierarchy underscores why the Supreme Court holds the definitive position as the highest court in the United States.

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