The Supreme Court is very important in helping us understand how the U.S. government works. It helps keep a balance between three branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. This balance makes sure that no one branch gets too powerful. The Supreme Court helps clarify what the Constitution means and how each branch should act.

Key Supreme Court Cases That Changed Checks and Balances

1. Marbury v. Madison (1803)

   • This case introduced the idea of judicial review. This means the Court can strike down laws or actions that don't follow the Constitution.
   • By doing this, the Court showed it’s an equal branch of government and can check the powers of the president and Congress.

2. United States v. Nixon (1974)

   • The Court decided that no one, not even the President, is above the law.
   • They ruled that President Nixon must share tapes and documents connected to the Watergate scandal. This showed how the judicial branch can limit the power of the executive branch.

3. Bush v. Gore (2000)

   • This case settled the argument about the 2000 presidential election.
   • It showed how the Court can step in during political disputes, proving that it can check the powers of both Congress and the President.

4. National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius (2012)

   • The Court looked at the Affordable Care Act and agreed that the requirement for individuals to have health insurance is a tax.
   • This case illustrated how the Court's decisions can affect major national laws and change how Congress makes laws.

Effects of Court Decisions on the Public

• A study from the Pew Research Center in 2021 found that about 56% of Americans think the Supreme Court should have the final say on what the Constitution means. This shows that people trust the Court to keep Congress and the President in check.
• After important Supreme Court decisions, Congress often changes its laws. For example, when the Court ruled in Shelby County v. Holder (2013) that parts of the Voting Rights Act were unconstitutional, some states created new voting laws. This shows how Court decisions can lead to changes in laws.

The Importance of Past Decisions

Supreme Court rulings serve as examples for future cases. For instance:

• The ruling in Brown v. Board of Education (1954) not only tackled the issue of racial segregation but also helped advance civil rights. This shows that the Court’s actions can change society's views, not just follow legal rules.

Conclusion

In summary, Supreme Court decisions play a big role in interpreting the Constitution and keeping a balance of power in the government. The Court uses its authority to hold Congress and the President accountable, helping to maintain the checks and balances that are key to our democracy. As society changes, the Supreme Court's role will remain a vital part of American governance.