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Standard and Short Edition:
1 American Political Culture
2 The Founding and the Constitution
3 Federalism
4 Civil Liberties
5 Civil Rights
6 Public Opinion
7 The Media
8 Political Participation and Voting
9 Political Parties
10 Campaigns and Elections
11 Groups and Interests
12 Congress
13 The Presidency
14 Bureaucracy In A Democracy
15 The Federal Courts
16 Government and Economy
17 Social Policy
18 Foreign Policy and Democracy
Texas Edition:
19 The Political Culture, People, and Economy of Texas
20 The Texas Constitution
21 Parties and Elections in Texas
22 Interest Groups, Lobbying, and Lobbyists
23 The Texas Legislature
24 The Texas Executive Branch
25 The Texas Judiciary
26 Local Government in Texas
27 Public Policy in Texas

Chapter 15: The Federal Courts

Questions for Discussion and Thought

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  1. Do we have “equal justice under the law” as the Constitution promises? Draw up a list of arguments on both sides of the issue. What are the main impediments to equal justice, in your opinion? What does this say about the United States as a democracy? About our ability to provide equality before the law?

  1. How much privacy do you think you have? Are you aware of all the daily intrusions into your private life? Do you ever call an 800 number? Use a credit card at a grocery store? Order from a catalog? Use the Internet? Use e-mail? Give out your Social Security number? Subscribe to a magazine? Every one of these examples provides important personal information about you to telemarketers, marketing companies, private investigators, even government agencies. What steps can you take to ensure your privacy?

  1. Have you ever been called for jury duty? Did you serve? What were the ages and occupations of those you served with? What was your reaction to what you observed? Do you think everyone should have to serve?

  1. Ninety-nine percent of all felonies are settled by plea bargains, whereby the suspect pleads guilty in promise of receiving a lower sentence. Obviously, this means that the suspect gives up some of his or her constitutional rights. What rights are these? Are plea bargains a good idea?

  1. How can judges control a courtroom procedure in order to guarantee a fair trial? Think about some of the recent trials which have received a lot of publicity. Is it ever possible to completely control all the variables in order to protect the right of a fair trial?

  1. Suppose the federal courts did not have the power of judicial review. Instead, all acts of Congress and the president would be considered constitutional. How would this change our system? Would you favor such a change?



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