Blog Post - Supreme Court

What did you learn about the Supreme Court that you didn’t already know?

Before watching the video, I had a general understanding of the Supreme Court’s role as the highest judicial body in the U.S. and its power to interpret the Constitution. However, there were several details I didn’t fully grasp until watching the video.

One key aspect I learned was the origins of the Supreme Court’s authority in shaping constitutional law. The video explains how the principle of judicial review, established in Marbury v. Madison (1803), was a defining moment in U.S. history. This landmark case gave the Court the power to strike down laws it deemed unconstitutional, essentially making it the final arbiter of the Constitution’s meaning. I didn’t realize the level of influence this decision gave the Court in shaping the laws of the nation, far beyond its original role as just a court of appeals.

Another interesting fact was about the Court’s historical evolution in terms of its structure and its relationship with the executive and legislative branches. The video pointed out how, early on, the Supreme Court was a relatively weak institution in comparison to Congress and the presidency. Over time, though, it grew into the powerful institution it is today, particularly after key rulings that cemented its role in American life.

What is the most important take-away point about the Supreme Court?

The most important takeaway point from the video is the concept of judicial independence. The video emphasized how the Court’s ability to make decisions free from political pressure is what allows it to interpret the Constitution impartially. This independence is critical because, without it, the Court could be swayed by the executive or legislative branches, or by public opinion, undermining its role as the protector of the Constitution.

Another key point is that, despite being insulated from direct political pressures (like election cycles), the Supreme Court still has a profound influence on American society. The video shows how its rulings have shaped issues ranging from civil rights to abortion, demonstrating that the Court's decisions have a lasting impact on the nation’s laws and culture. This underscores how deeply intertwined the Court is with the functioning of democracy, even if its decisions aren’t always popular.

What was the most surprising thing you learned?

One of the most surprising things I learned was the historical context in which the Supreme Court grew in power. I had assumed the Court always had its current level of influence, but the video highlighted how its importance fluctuated over time. For much of early U.S. history, the Court didn’t wield the kind of influence it has today. In fact, early on, the Court wasn’t always seen as an equal branch of government. The video explained how some early presidents (like Andrew Jackson) effectively ignored certain Supreme Court decisions, particularly when the rulings didn’t align with their political agendas.

Additionally, I didn’t realize how deeply political the process of selecting Supreme Court justices could be, even though justices are supposed to be impartial. The video discussed how presidents appoint justices based on their personal ideologies, and how the confirmation process has become highly politicized, especially in recent decades. This added a layer of complexity to my understanding of how the Court operates and the extent to which political dynamics play a role, even within an institution meant to remain separate from political influence.

How did the video change the way you thought of the Supreme Court?

Before watching the video, I viewed the Supreme Court as a somewhat static institution, mainly focused on interpreting the law as it was written. The video shifted my perspective, helping me realize how dynamic and pivotal the Court is in shaping the direction of the country. I now see the Court not just as a body that interprets laws, but as an active force in defining American society, often making decisions that challenge societal norms or push the country in new directions.

The video also highlighted the power the Court holds in determining what is constitutional, and I gained a better appreciation for the significant consequences its decisions can have. For example, the video provided insight into how the Court’s rulings can affect the civil rights of millions of Americans and how those rulings can either expand or limit freedoms. This made me more aware of how much is at stake in Supreme Court cases, particularly those involving constitutional rights.

Finally, the video made me think more critically about the Court’s structure and how its independence can both protect the Constitution and sometimes make it out of step with the people it serves. The life tenure of justices, for example, can mean that judges who are appointed based on the political climate of one era may remain on the Court long after that era has passed, raising questions about how representative the Court truly is.

Conclusion

Overall, the video gave me a deeper understanding of the U.S. Supreme Court, not just as a judicial body but as an institution with far-reaching political, social, and cultural impact. The biggest takeaway for me is the Court's role in shaping American life — its decisions can transform the nation, and that power, combined with its independence, makes it a cornerstone of U.S. democracy. While the video didn’t necessarily change my overall view of the Court’s importance, it did deepen my understanding of the complexities and challenges the Court faces in balancing its role as an impartial arbiter of law with its political and societal influence.