The US Supreme Court (Post #2)

     The US Supreme Court is the highest and most authoritative judicial body within the United States, but sometimes its role can be a little fuzzy. After watching the video and using my previous knowledge, this is some of the key aspects I found myself reflecting upon:

    WHAT DID I LEARN ABOUT THE SUPREME COURT THAT I DIDN'T ALREADY KNOW?: I learned that the Supreme Court plays a significantly broader role in shaping society than I realized. They do more than just interpret the constitution, but they also have the power to set precedents that guide rulings for years to come. The idea that the courts can create laws through its rulings is a realization that I deemed significant, especially when considering historical landmark decisions such as Brown v. Board of Education or Roe v. Wade.

    WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TAKE AWAY POINT ABOUT THE SUPREME COURT?: I think the fact the Supreme Court acts as the final stepping stone of constitutional issues is the most important take away I learned about. It ensures that the rights that the constitution tells is upholder within all the states, and that no law or government action is beyond scrutiny if it violates the constitution. The court has the important ability to be able to preserve democratic ideals, even when elected officials or the public opinion shift in a direction that threatens them.

    WHAT IS THE MOST SURPRISING THING I LEARNED?: I was actually shocked to learn that the justices have significant freedom in their decision making process, as they are not subject to political pressure or public opinion. The notion that they are appointed for life allows them to engage in legal reasoning without the threat of losing their position due to the decisions they make. This ensures they can make rulings based on a legal principle rather than political expediency. 

    HOW DID THE VIDEO CHANGE THE WAY I THOUGHT ABOUT THE SUPREME COURT?: Before watching the video, I had my idea of the Supreme Court as being a body that interprets laws and resolves high profile cases sometimes, however, I have come to learn more about its historical context and functioning, seeing it as more of a important institution for preserving the balance of power in the democracy. It made me appreciate the depth and importance of the Court's role that it has on America and leaving lasting impacts on justice and civil rights. 

    Overall, this video provided me with a deeper and clearer understanding of how the Supreme Court operates and how crucial this court is to the functioning of the nation's government.