What legislation established the Supreme Court and other federal courts in the United States?

Study for the AMSCO AP United States History Exam. Explore flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations. Get ready for your APUSH exam!

The Judiciary Act of 1789 is the correct answer because it was the first major piece of legislation passed by the newly formed Congress under the Constitution. This act set forth the structure and jurisdiction of the federal court system, including the establishment of the Supreme Court. It specified the number of justices on the Supreme Court, instituted lower federal courts, and defined their powers and responsibilities. By doing so, it laid the groundwork for the judicial branch of the United States government, as envisioned by the Constitution.

The importance of the Judiciary Act of 1789 extends beyond its establishment of federal courts; it also helped to clarify the relationship between state and federal courts and the authority of the federal judiciary. This act thereby played a crucial role in defining how the rule of law would operate in the new nation.

The other options, while they may sound plausible, do not correspond to the actual act that created the judicial system. The Federal Judiciary Act is not a recognized formal name in history for that piece of legislation. The Supreme Court Act and the Constitutional Courts Act do not exist as well-known or relevant pieces of legal documentation regarding the establishment of federal courts.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy