Ace the Civic Literacy Challenge 2026 – Unlock Your Citizen Superpower!

The Supreme Court is the highest federal court in the United States, possessing the ultimate authority in interpreting the Constitution and federal law. It serves as the final arbiter in disputes regarding the legality of actions by the executive and legislative branches, as well as state laws that may conflict with federal laws or the Constitution itself. This court reviews cases that have significant legal implications and can create legal precedents that guide future court decisions.

In contrast, the Court of Appeals, District Court, and Circuit Court play different roles within the federal judiciary. The Court of Appeals hears appeals from the District Courts and certain administrative agencies, functioning as an intermediate appellate court. The District Courts serve as the trial courts of the federal system, where cases are initially filed and tried. The Circuit Courts, while sometimes used interchangeably with District Courts in certain contexts, typically refer to specific divisions within the federal court system but do not represent the highest court. The distinction of the Supreme Court as the highest court emphasizes its crucial function in maintaining the rule of law and constitutional interpretation in the United States.