Question

What is the relationship between the Supreme Court and the lower courts?
The Supreme Court must abide by the decisions of the lower courts.
The Supreme Court appoints judges to the lower courts.
The Supreme Court can overrule decisions made by the lower courts.
The Supreme Court can impeach judges from the lower courts.

Answer 1

Correct: "The Supreme Court can overrule decisions made by the lower courts."

Brief explanation:
- The Supreme Court is the highest federal court and has appellate jurisdiction to review and reverse lower-court decisions, and its rulings set binding precedent for lower courts.
- It does not have to follow lower-court decisions.
- Federal judges for lower courts are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate (not appointed by the Supreme Court).
- Impeachment of federal judges is carried out by Congress (House impeaches, Senate conducts trial), not by the Supreme Court.