Article III

Definition

Article III of the United States Constitution establishes the judicial branch of the federal government. It outlines the structure of the Supreme Court and inferior courts, granting them the authority to interpret laws and adjudicate disputes. This article also provides details on the tenure and removal of judges, ensuring their independence from the other branches of government, which is crucial for maintaining checks and balances.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Article III creates only one Supreme Court but allows Congress to establish lower courts as necessary.
2. It explicitly states that judges shall hold their offices during good behavior, effectively providing them with life tenure.
3. Article III does not specify the number of justices on the Supreme Court, allowing Congress to set that number.
4. The article mentions that judges receive compensation that cannot be diminished during their time in office, safeguarding their financial independence.
5. Judicial review, which originated from Article III and was solidified in Marbury v. Madison, gives courts significant power to challenge acts of Congress.

Review Questions

• How does Article III contribute to the concept of judicial independence within the U.S. government?
  • Article III contributes to judicial independence by ensuring that federal judges serve for life, as long as they maintain good behavior. This life tenure means judges are insulated from political pressures that might influence their decisions, allowing them to uphold the law impartially. Additionally, by guaranteeing that their salaries cannot be reduced while in office, Article III further protects judges from external pressures that could compromise their independence.
• Discuss the significance of Marbury v. Madison in relation to Article III and its implications for the judicial branch.
  • Marbury v. Madison is significant because it established the principle of judicial review, which is a direct application of Article III's framework for the judicial branch. By asserting that it is the duty of the judiciary to interpret the law and determine its constitutionality, this case reinforced the role of courts as a check on legislative and executive power. The decision ultimately shaped how courts interact with other branches of government, making it clear that they have a critical role in upholding constitutional governance.
• Evaluate how Article III’s provisions regarding judicial tenure affect the broader system of checks and balances within the federal government.
  • Article III's provisions on judicial tenure significantly impact the system of checks and balances by ensuring that judges can make decisions free from political influence or retaliation. Life tenure encourages judges to rule based on law rather than political expediency, fostering a more stable legal environment. This arrangement helps maintain equilibrium among the branches by allowing an independent judiciary to challenge legislative or executive actions that may overstep constitutional boundaries, ultimately reinforcing democratic principles.

Related terms

Judicial Review: The power of courts to assess whether a law is in accordance with the Constitution, established by the landmark case Marbury v. Madison.

Life Tenure: A provision that allows federal judges to serve for life, provided they maintain good behavior, ensuring judicial independence.

Checks and Balances: A fundamental principle of the U.S. Constitution that prevents any one branch of government from gaining too much power by giving each branch some measure of influence over the other branches.