new stuff for the final

Approximately what percentage of all court cases in the United States are heard in federal courts?

1 percent

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has a membership of approximately _____ members

38,000,000

Approximately what percentage of American workers are offered health insurance through their jobs?

80 percent

Each year, the Supreme Court receives about _____ appeals and hears about _____ of them in full court.

9,500; 75

What is the significance of dissenting opinions?

Dissents are signs that the Court is in disagreement on an issue and could change its ruling.

Which of the following is the essence of the rule of law?

Every state must judge government officials by the same laws as its citizens are judged.

How did the Great Depression change American attitudes about welfare?

It revealed that poverty could be caused by a flawed economic system, not just by personal irresponsibility

Which of the following social policies is the most costly to the government?

Social Security

What is the main function of the chief justice of the Supreme Court?

The chief justice presides over the Court s public sessions and private conferences.

Which of the following can be concluded from the results of the 1996 welfare reform?

The reforms have reduced the number of people on welfare but have done little to reduce poverty.

What do public opinion polls reveal about welfare policies?

They are among the most disliked government programs.

Which of the following scenarios would most likely lead to a trial involving public law?

a citizen accuses the police of searching her house without a warrant

In recent years, federal court appointments have

been characterized by intense partisan and ideological efforts to support or defeat the candidate.

Which of the following groups receive the least benefits from government s social policies?

children

The phrase stare decisis means

let the decision stand

When potential recipients of a benefit must establish their genuine need, the government program is called

means tested

What was outdoor relief distributed by private charities?

money

Prior cases whose principles are used by judges to decide current cases are called

precedents

What was the most significant education policy developed by the federal government in the nineteenth century?

the establishment of land grant colleges

Which of the following best describes the role of the solicitor general?

the lawyer who represents the United States before the Supreme Court in cases where the federal government is a party