The Judicial Branch 5-Page Article & Review for Civics & American History

This Judicial Branch Article & Review for Civics & American History introduces students to the Judicial Branch and Federal Court System with an engaging five-page article and comprehensive three-page comprehension review. This resource introduces the key concepts and vocabulary surrounding Article Three of the Constitution, the Judicial Branch, the federal court levels, the Supreme Court, and the trial process. Perfect for middle school Civics, American Government, and American History students studying the Judicial Branch and federal court system!

Compatible with the following Florida State Standards for Middle School Civics (and applicable to other states as well!):

• SS.7.CG.2.5 Describe the trial process and the role of juries in the administration of justice at the state and federal levels. 
• SS.7.CG.3.9 Explain the structure, functions and processes of the judicial branch of government. 

This Judicial Branch Article & Review for Civics & American History resource includes:

✯ The 5-page Judicial Branch Article & Review. This engaging reading passage walks students through the main ideas of the Judicial Branch, the levels of the Federal Court System, the Supreme Court, Checks and Balances in relation to the Judicial Branch, and the trial process. 

Key Concepts include:

• An overview of Article III of the U.S. Constitution and the Judiciary Act of 1789 and how they both shaped the U.S. court system
• The Levels of the Federal Court System (District Courts, Appellate Courts, and the Supreme Court)
• District Courts and our constitutional due process rights
• U.S. Courts of Appeals and the decisions they can make (to uphold a case, remand a case, or reverse a case)
• How the Supreme Court works, from how Justices are appointed, the Writ of Certiorari, and the types of opinions the Supreme Court can release (majority opinion, concurring opinion, dissenting opinion, unanimous opinion).
• the Judicial Branch’s various checks and balances with the Legislative and Executive Branches.
• The trial process, including Jury Selection, Opening and Closing Arguments, Calling Witnesses and Cross-Examination, and Reading the Verdict!

✯ 3 pages of Judicial Branch Comprehension Review. The first two pages go through the article point-by-point with written response comprehension questions highlighting the article’s main ideas. The final page checks a few more vocabulary terms and big ideas, and it includes a reflection question on the quote “Equal Justice Under Law” engraved on the Supreme Court building in Washington D.C.! 

Sample comprehension questions include:

• What are the three ways Congress can check the power of the Supreme Court?
• What types of cases does the Supreme Court have original jurisdiction over?
• Which of the federal courts is a trial court?

This Judicial Branch Article & Review offers a comprehensive introduction to the Judicial Branch, perfect for middle school Civics, American Government, or American History classes teaching the three branches of government! 

This resource comes as a printable, non-editable PDF. Answer Keys are included! A digital version of this resource is available on TPT Easel. TPT Easel resources can be assigned directly to your Google Classroom!

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