The Supreme Court

    The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is the highest federal court in the country, as well as being the judicial branch of the U.S. government. The Supreme Court was established in 1789, with six justices who would serve on the court until they died or retired. This, teaching me that there have not always been nine justices on the court, but actually, it began with six. 

    I think, quite possibly, the most notable power of The Supreme Court to take away is judicial review. This is the ability of The Supreme Court to declare a legislative or executive act, or the power to review and rule, on acts that are considered in violation of the U.S. Constitution. This was established not in the makeup of The Supreme Court, but in the doctrine of Marbury v. Madison of 1803. 

    The most surprising thing that I learned in History's piece of SCOTUS was that the decision of banning school segregation was issued by a landmark decision, not a civil rights decision.