Just the Facts: Understanding Government: The Judicial Branch

The Constitution of the United States established three distinct branches of Government - the Executive, the Legislative and the Judicial. Our founding fathers, in their wisdom, formed this division of government to establish the principle of separation of powers. This creates an internal system of checks and balances designed to protect citizens from capricious or tyrannical actions of government.

The Judicial Branch, the supreme law of the land charged with maintaining a watch over the Constitution, consists of the various Federal Courts found in 50 states of the Union and the highest court, the Supreme Court, in Washington D.C. The imperative role of this branch of government is thoroughly researched in this informative production.

The Supreme Court’s responsibility is to interpret all laws and ensure that they do not conflict with the founding principles of the Constitution. Examine numerous landmark cases including Marbury v. Madison, McCulloch vs. Maryland, and Gibbons v. Ogden. The challenges faced by the Judicial Branch over the history of the United States are fascinating and crucial to complete understanding of the American political system. 

Noted educators and elected officials share their insight on this very important facet of American political science.

The Just The Facts™ Learning Series explores The Judicial Branch in a fast-paced style that makes learning fun!

Special Features:

• Interactive full motion Menus
• Scene Index
• A Teacher’s User guide
• Kent Newmyer on John Marshall
• Multiple- Choice Quiz
• Printable Documents
• Trailers