The Supreme Court often makes headlines—but for many people, its role can still feel mysterious. You may hear about rulings that impact everything from student loans to voting laws to healthcare access, yet not fully understand how this group of nine justices holds so much influence.
So, what exactly does the Supreme Court do? Why do its decisions matter so much? And how do justices get picked for a position that lasts for life?
What Is the Supreme Court?
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. It was created by the Constitution and serves as the final authority on what federal laws mean—and whether they’re being applied correctly. It also decides if laws or government actions violate the Constitution.
When the Supreme Court makes a decision, that ruling becomes the law of the land. Lower courts across the country must follow its interpretation, and Congress and the president must respect its authority.
Why the Supreme Court Exists
The U.S. has a system of checks and balances, where the three branches of government—legislative (Congress), executive (president), and judicial (courts)—keep each other in check.
The Supreme Court is part of the judicial branch. Its main job is to interpret laws passed by Congress and ensure that those laws follow the Constitution. If someone challenges a law or a government action as unconstitutional, the Court may be asked to weigh in.
The founders wanted an independent body that wasn’t influenced by elections or public opinion—just a small group of legal experts applying the Constitution. That’s why justices are appointed, not elected, and serve for life unless they retire, resign, or are impeached.
What the Supreme Court Actually Does
The Court only hears about 100 to 150 cases per year, out of thousands of requests. The cases it accepts must deal with important constitutional issues, conflicting lower court rulings, or major questions about federal law.
When the Court agrees to hear a case, it reviews written legal arguments, hears oral arguments from lawyers on both sides, and then meets in private to discuss and vote. A majority opinion becomes the official ruling, while justices who disagree can publish dissenting opinions.
Here are some of the Court’s most important responsibilities:
- Interpreting the Constitution: The Court decides whether laws or government actions violate rights guaranteed by the Constitution. For example:
- Does a law restrict free speech?
- Does a search violate privacy protections?
- Does a policy discriminate unfairly?
- Settling disputes between states or levels of government: The Court hears cases involving conflicts between states, or between state and federal laws.
- Reviewing federal laws and executive actions: If someone believes Congress or the president has exceeded their legal powers, the Court can determine whether those actions are valid.
- Overseeing the lower federal court system: While it doesn’t manage day-to-day operations, the Supreme Court provides guidance that other federal courts must follow.
Examples of Landmark Supreme Court Decisions
Many of the biggest moments in U.S. legal history have come from the Supreme Court:
- Brown v. Board of Education (1954): Ended racial segregation in public schools
- Roe v. Wade (1973): Recognized a constitutional right to abortion (later overturned in 2022)
- United States v. Nixon (1974): Ordered President Nixon to hand over tapes during Watergate
- Bush v. Gore (2000): Effectively settled the 2000 presidential election
- Obergefell v. Hodges (2015): Legalized same-sex marriage nationwide
- Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health (2022): Overturned Roe v. Wade and returned abortion regulation to the states
These rulings show how the Court can shape public life—even when the public isn’t fully aware of its processes.
How Supreme Court Justices Are Chosen
The Constitution says very little about Supreme Court appointments. It simply says the president nominates justices, and the Senate confirms them. Here’s how the process usually works:
1. A Vacancy Opens
A seat on the Supreme Court becomes available when a justice retires, dies, or resigns. Unlike most jobs, there’s no set term limit or mandatory retirement age. Some justices serve for more than 30 years.
2. The President Chooses a Nominee
The president consults with legal advisors, senators, and sometimes former justices to pick a nominee. Presidents usually choose someone whose legal philosophy matches their own values or policy goals.
Most nominees have prior experience as federal judges, law professors, or government attorneys, but the Constitution does not require any specific background, education, or even a law degree.
3. The Senate Holds Confirmation Hearings
The Senate Judiciary Committee reviews the nominee’s record, interviews them, and holds public hearings. Senators ask questions about their views, decisions, and qualifications.
This part of the process is often televised and can become politically heated, especially for controversial nominees.
4. The Full Senate Votes
After hearings, the full Senate votes to confirm or reject the nominee. A simple majority is required (51 votes out of 100). If confirmed, the nominee is sworn in and becomes a Supreme Court justice.
Once confirmed, justices are appointed for life. They can only be removed through impeachment by Congress, which is extremely rare.
How Many Justices Are on the Court?
There are currently nine justices on the Supreme Court—one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. This number isn’t in the Constitution; Congress sets it, and it has changed over time.
In the 1800s, the number of justices shifted several times before settling at nine in 1869. There have been debates in recent years about whether that number should be increased or restructured, but for now, nine remains the standard.
How the Court’s Makeup Affects Its Decisions
Each justice brings their own interpretation of the Constitution, shaped by their legal philosophy, experiences, and worldview. Broadly speaking, justices are often described as liberal, conservative, or moderate, though the reality is more complex.
Because each case is decided by majority vote, even one justice can tip the balance of power. This is why Supreme Court nominations are often politically charged—they can shape the direction of U.S. law for decades.
A justice may serve across multiple presidencies and changes in Congress. That long-term influence makes the Court one of the most powerful—but least understood—parts of the U.S. government.
A Lasting Voice in the Legal System
The Supreme Court plays a unique and lasting role in American democracy. Its justices aren’t elected, but their decisions directly affect millions of people. From civil rights to free speech to healthcare and beyond, their rulings often touch the most personal aspects of public life.
While the nomination process is political, the justices themselves are expected to interpret the law as fairly and independently as possible. Some do so in predictable ways. Others surprise everyone.
Understanding how the Court works—and how its justices are chosen—can help you better grasp the headlines, the debates, and the impact of one of the most powerful institutions in the country.
