Write a reflective response (4-5 sentences each) to each of the three prompts below.
1. In Federalist 78, Hamilton goes to great lengths to point out that the judicial branch was the least powerful branch. First, assess how correct Hamilton ended up being about this. Is the Judiciary the least powerful branch? Second, why do you think Hamilton was so careful to point out his belief that the judicial branch was the weakest?
2. In, “Federal judge blocks Trump’s executive order on denying funding to sanctuary cities,” Eli Rosenberg documents a federal judge’s ruling against a Trump Administration executive order that would divert federal funding from “sanctuary cities.” What themes from Tuesday’s lecture and the reading for this week can you identify in the article? In what ways are the events, actions, and items in the article examples of what we’ve talked and read about regarding the judiciary? Can you think of another example when a federal judge blocked a president’s action?
3. In lecture, and a bit in the text, the idea of balancing the independence and accountability of the Court was discussed. Why are those two ideas crucial to balance in designing the Court? Ultimately, which of those two won? Does the Court lean more towards independence or accountability?
To add your reply, click "add a new discussion topic," type your response to each of the questions, and then make sure to click "post to forum." Then, check out some of your fellow classmate's responses and make sure to reply (as discussed in the syllabus) to at least two of your classmates' responses before 6/25 by 11:59pm.
2. A theme I can point out from the article is the Judicial branch is there to make sure even the president's orders are staying within the principles of the constitution. If the law or action is deemed unconstitutional a federal judge has the right to stop it. The article is an example of checks and balances within the government and keeping the executive branch from becoming too powerful. Also, the Court upholding our Constitution and the laws within it. Another example of a federal judge blocking a president's actions is when the Biden Administration ruled that any company with 100+ employees was mandated to get the Covid-19 vaccine. This was shut down by a federal judge and the Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional.
3. Independence and accountability are two important ideas in the Court. Independence is essential for the judge/justice to feel confident in their own decisions and to rely on their own expertise without being compromised by outside sources. Accountability is important because while they are making their own decisions, they should be held accountable for them. They should be held to the highest standard possible. I think that the court leans more towards independence.