Constitution 101 Resources

9.4 Video Reflection: History of the Supreme Court

This activity is part of Module 9: The Judicial System and Current Cases from the Constitution 101 Curriculum


In this activity, you will learn about the history of the Supreme Court. 

Watch the video and complete the assignment to help organize the information about Article III. 

Article III

  • What are some details about the Supreme Court and federal courts that are established in Article III?
  • What is left to Congress and historical practice?

Federalist No. 78

  • How does Alexander Hamilton describe the judiciary? Why?
  • Why do independent judges have the power to strike down unconstitutional laws?
  • What role do the people play in this process?

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

  • Facts: Who are all the people (parties) associated with the case? What was the dispute between them?
  • Issue: What is the issue in the case? What constitutional provision is at issue? What is the constitutional question that the Supreme Court has to answer?
  • Outcome/Ruling: How does the Court rule? What was the outcome in the case? Who won and who lost? How did the justices vote? What sort of rule does the Court come up with to resolve the issue?