Florida Civic Literacy Practice Exam

What is the highest court in the United States?

1. Court of Appeals

2. Supreme Court

3. State Supreme Courts

4. District Courts

The correct answer is: Supreme Court

The highest court in the United States is the Supreme Court. This court is the final arbiter of the law and has the ultimate authority in interpreting the Constitution and federal laws. Its decisions set precedents that are binding on all lower courts in the country. The Supreme Court consists of nine justices who are appointed for life, providing a level of independence from political pressures that can enhance the court's role as an arbiter of constitutional issues. Other courts, such as the Court of Appeals, State Supreme Courts, and District Courts, operate under its authority and jurisdiction. The Court of Appeals reviews cases from lower courts but does not have the ultimate authority that the Supreme Court possesses. State Supreme Courts handle issues pertaining to state law and are the final say within their respective jurisdictions but still fall under the umbrella of the United States legal system governed by the Supreme Court. District Courts are trial courts that handle federal cases at the first level but do not have the appellate power of higher courts.