1. In my opinion the Judicial Branch is the most powerful branch in the US government because of Judicial Review. Although the judicial branch relies heavily on the other branches for the enforcing their decisions, I think that the ability to interpret the law and decide how it will imply is a relatively large unchecked power. A lifetime appointment also increases the power of the Supreme Court because they are not being checked by re-appointment and they have a large amount of freedom to make decisions. At the time Hamilton is discussing the Judicial branch, the SCOTUS had not yet been granted judicial review so they were not as powerful as they are today. Hamilton says that the Judicial branch is the most vulnerable branch because they lack the power to enforce anything (with an army or weapons). I think that judicial review and the ability for the courts to selectively incorporate decisions is what gives the judicial branch its superiority in the U.S. government. Hamilton has to be careful to point out the weakness because if the people do not respect the authority of the courts, then they won't feel inclined to follow their rules. Our government works because of efficacy and without respect for authority the United States runs the risk of being overthrow by the tyranny of the majority.
2. I think a theme of this article is the checks and balances that each branch has on one another, but another major theme is the idea of judicial review. The president made an executive order, but the courts interpreted the constitution and decided that the executive order was not constitutional and that it was the role of the congress to control spending. This just shows that the branches of the government keep each other in check and prevent from tyranny because they are constantly scrutinizing each other. The judiciary is the interpreter of the legislation, and they have the power to determine the meaning of the law. This is a huge vessel of power and slows the agenda of a single president. In Marbury v. Madison, judicial review was created as a check to Adams at the time. Now, judicial review acts as a check on all of the branches.
3. Independence in the court system is very important as a way to check the other branches and to protect against the tyrannical majority. Independence allows for justices to make decisions for the betterment of the country and not to gain re-election. The courts also need to be independent so that they are not swayed by other branches or political parties and so that they will make the best decision as possible. The court also needs accountability so that they do not act unconstitutionally and make decisions that are not based in American policy. I think that although the courts have accountability with presidential appointment, they mostly have independence which is the best case scenario. All of the other branches are directly influenced by public opinion except the judicial branch so that in itself acts as a check. The courts need protection in order to be respected in the government.