Before watching the videos, I realized I had only a basic understanding of the Supreme Court. Growing up and even now, I haven’t been particularly drawn to politics or presidential matters. Slowly, as the semester has progressed, my knowledge has grown due to being enrolled in an American Politics course and now Media Law and Literacy. It is truly shocking to me the lack of preparation the public k-12 schools in my district supplied its students with on a subject that serves as the foundation of this country.
The Supreme Court, composed of nine justices, serves as the final authority for court cases in the U.S. For example, in Brown v. Board of Education, the Court ultimately decided on a case that challenged racial segregation in public schools, ruling in 1954 that such segregation was unconstitutional. This decision shifted the issue from being state-regulated to a federal mandate, enforcing desegregation nationwide. The Supreme Court thus has the power to influence major aspects of American life, as seen in cases like Brown v. Board, which reshaped educational and social policies across the country. It’s fascinating that the Court continues to set and uphold precedents from landmark cases, many of which were established over two centuries ago. It is interesting to see cases that have been applied during my whole life were overseen by the Supreme Court, which makes the world the way that it is today.
I find it extremely important to obtain a basic understanding of the government and how it directly affects us as citizens. Understanding how the Supreme Court works is crucial because it helps us grasp the role it plays in shaping U.S. laws and protecting citizens’ rights. Below, I have attached a picture of the current Supreme Court. These nine men and women work to serve our country and protect and abide by the rights we deserve.
The Supreme Court
