The United States Supreme Court stands as one of the most powerful and influential institutions in the country. Established in 1789 by the Constitution, the Supreme Court has the final say on matters of federal law and constitutional interpretation. This unique role makes the Court a critical guardian of justice, equality, and the rule of law in America.

The Supreme Court’s primary responsibility is to interpret the Constitution and ensure that laws and government actions comply with constitutional principles. This power, known as judicial review, was established by the landmark case Marbury v. Madison in 1803. Judicial review allows the Court to invalidate laws and executive actions that it finds unconstitutional, thus serving as a check on the powers of the legislative and executive branches.

This workbook contains the details of 17 of the most important and impactful cases decided by the court over 221 years. Each case is followed by comprehension questions leading students to consider carefully the importance of the case. Finally, there is an Answer Key in the back of the workbook.