American Government Comprehensive Review

Changes in the Constitution are called

After all Supreme Court opinions have been written and finalized,

A census is an official count of the population that is taken every

Which of the following is not a type of public utility?

The delegates to the Constitutional Convention agreed that executive power should be given to

Some local governments are in charge of two-year colleges.

One of the major compromises at the Constitutional Convention was the two-house Congress.

Decisions that establish the broadest precedents are made in the highest courts.

A unit of government that provides a single service is called a

The House of Representatives chooses a presiding officer called the

State legislatures do not have the power to override a governor's veto.

According to the 18th Amendment, no President may hold office for more than two terms.

The threat of a veto gives the governor a good deal of power over the legislature.

Many colonists began to wonder if England would eventually try to

Federal judges do the work of the judicial branch.

Plans for guiding our nation's relationships with other countries is called

Americans have a right to speak and write freely, and to say what they believe.

The power to overturn any law which the Supreme Court decides is unconstitutional is called

Senators must agree on the starting time of debate on bills.

The Federalists added a bill of rights to the Constitution to satisfy the Anti-Federalists.

Taxes on what individuals and businesses earn are called

Public assistance may be provided by

Federal courts hear cases involving

Most representatives live in both the state and district they are elected to represent.

In each of the original 13 colonies, citizens were not allowed to have a voice in their govt.

The First Continental Congress took place in 1774 in the city of

When speaking for the entire nation, the President acts as

Grants that are given for general purposes are called

As legislative leader, the governor may propose legislation in the form of a

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution limited the President to two terms in office?

Joint committees are made up of members of both the House and the Senate.

The party with fewer members in the House of Representatives and the Senate is called the

The head of the White House staff to whom other staff members report is the

In 1977, a small group of uniformed men in Skokie applied for a permit to

States have the option of whether to honor the laws of other states.

Supreme Court decisions have very important consequences for the entire nation.

Which of the following are concurrent powers?

The framers of the Constitution gave very few specific powers to the President.

Taxes paid by lumber abd mining companies on the natural resources they take from the land are

The Zenger Case was about freedom of

According to the Great Compromise, members of the House of Representatives would be

Under the A of C, Congress could not be effective because it did not have the power to

The constitutional initiative process is used in all 50 states.

The English writer who argued that the purpose of government is to protect natural rights was

The Supreme Court case which set up the current system of apportionment was

The county clerk

Which of the following is not a concurrent power?

The plan of govt of the U.S. is organized in the Constitution into seven parts called

An alliance of independent states is a

Select committees are not allowed to conduct investigations.

Seats in state legislatures are apportioned on the basis of equal representation.

Which amendment guarantees freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition?

Presidents will usually try to appoint Supreme Court justices who agree with them politically.

Why did many delegates fear Madison's Virginia Plan?

The most basic and important laws of our nation are written into a document called the

State governors may veto bills in every state except

In the Senate, there is no rules committee.

Casework makes constituents happy and more likely to vote to re-elect members of Congress.

United States senators serve

Many colleges and universities have been required to take affirmative action steps.

When federal laws are in conflict with state laws, state judges must follow federal laws.

Members of the House and the Senate to study every bill and decide how to vote on each bill.

Which component of the Executive Office of the President prepares the budget?

If a President pockets a bill for 10 days during which Congress ends it session, the bill

A senator introduces a bill by dropping it in a special box called a hopper.

Which document provided protections against tyranny which the colonists treasured?

The number of electors each is state entitled to in the Electoral College is equal to the

The colony founded by Roger Williams in 1644 that promised religious freedom was

Judges decide whether peoples' rights are being violated by laws or other citizens' actions.

Judicial review was extended in later cases to cover acts of

Which executive department investigates and prosecutes violations of federal laws?

Long speeches made by senators to delay Senate action are called

Congressional sessions start on June 3 of every year.

The President can get Congress to turn foreign and domestic policy into laws by

Discrimination against white male applicants for jobs is often referred to as

A President can make a bill a law by holding it for ten days while Congress is in session

Members of Congress rely heavily on their personal staffs to help them do their jobs.

There are 100 representatives in the United States House of Representatives.

Which executive department directs the Social Security and Medicare programs?

Congress does not have to approve any appointments to the executive branch made by the Pres.

The Federalist Papers that the Constitution would protect the liberty of every citizen.

The majority party in the House of Representatives chooses the Speaker.

Appellate courts may

Which of the following was not one of the authors of the Federalist Papers?

Citizens can assemble peacefully, even if the assembly violates other citizens' rights.

Powers given to the federal government by the Constitution are called

Under the weak-mayor plan, power rests with the council, who acts as the

Every Supreme Court case is accompanied by an opinion.

Who is known as the "Father of the Constitution?"

Cases in which the court settles a disagreement between two or more citizens are called

The main function of courts is to apply the law to an actual situation.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is a(n)

Some larger states have as many as four federal district courts.

The term that means "abuse of power" is

The Supreme Court declares actions that do not violate the constitution to be legal.

When the President does not sign a bill, during which time Congress adjourns,

The governor writes the state's budget and then sends it to the state legislature for approval.

The leaders of standing committees decide when and if the committees will meet.

The process of a congressional committee recommending approval of a bill is called

The civil service system was created in 1883.

The President's main check on the Supreme Court is his power to appoint justices.

A process for removing elected officials from office is called

Three-fourths of the states must approve an amendment to the Constitution.

As leader of the armed forces, the President serves as

Which executive department helps provide housing for low-income citizens?

The Supreme Court has the final say in all cases involving the Constitution.

Who is next in line in succession to the Presidency after the Vice-President?

Powers given to Congress are known as

Most programs giving public assistance are

The boundaries and powers of a municipality are set by the federal government.

All bills introduced in Congress are

The lowest level of the federal court system is the

The state treasurer

Limits on the powers of Congress that mainly protect the rights of citizens are called

By what year did all the necessary states ratify the Constitution?

The goal of the council-manager plan is to run city government like a business.

Supreme Court justices always completely put aside their personal beliefs and/or biases.

The Constitution's framers believed that a bill of rights had to be added to the Constitution.

Steps to counteract the effects of past racial discrimination and discrimination against women

Most members of Congress belong to either the Democratic Party or the Republican Party.

Who presides over the Senate when the Vice-President of the United States is absent?

Like federal courts, state courts act as a check on the other two branches of state government.

Tax bills must originate in the House of Representatives.

A defendant in a court case may be an individual, a group, or a government body.

Common Sense helped convince people that it was common sense that the colonists

The President's main check on the Supreme Court is his power to

Most judges may be removed by the voters at the end of their terms.

During the early years of American history, state legislators

The system of federalism does which of the following?

The President is elected to a term of how many years/

Great Britain and Japan are both constitutional monarchies.

Which of the following is not a criterion for becoming a member of the United States H of R?

Which executive department collects federal taxes through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?

Chief Justice Warren Burger wrote the Supreme Court decision in Marbury v. Madison (1803).

Terms of office for governors are usually

Which of the following is not true about the borrowing practices of local governments?

The President delivers a State of the Union message to Congress each January.

Congress can pass a law over the President's veto by a 2/3 vote of each house of

An individual or group of people who bring a complaint against another party is called a

A government body that brings a criminal charge against a defendant is called the

The use of long speeched by senators to prevent a vote on a bill is called a

Which amendment declares powers not given to the natl govt belong to the states or the people?

Circuit courts do not conduct a trial or examine evidence.

Civil rights laws passed in the 1960s did much to make up for years of minority discrimination.

The only state that has a unicameral legislature is

Which principle states that the government may not establish an official religion?

Which House of Congress is considered to be a "continuing body?"

Citizens may have to house soldiers during peacetime if Congress passes laws requiring it.

Many Presidents have used their power to adjourn Congress.

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution put stipulations on raises for members of Congress?

Which of the following is a goal of the United States Constitution?

The President's Cabinet is made up of

U.S. representatives must live in the state and district they are elected to represent.

An organization of people who share certain ideas about what govt should do is called a(n)

The constitution written by the people of a territory had to be approved by

The Federalists agreed to propose a bill of rights if the Constitution was ratified.

The students' parents in the Tinker case argued that the armbands were an expression of

How many states must ratify a proposed amendment to the Constitution before it becomes law?

About how many cases does the United States Supreme Court hear each year?

Each regulatory commission carries out rules for a certain business or economic activity.

Each state has at least one district court.

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution gave the right to vote to black men?

Which of the following was not a part of the Virginia Plan?

The Supreme Court decision in University of California Regents v. Bakke (1978) was that

Groups of people who work together for similar interests or goals are called

The treasurer

During the early years of American history, government jobs were awarded strictly on merit.

The United States Constitution was written before any state constitutions were written.

In the case of a vacancy in the Senate, the state governor

Courts that hear appeals have

The job of a state legislator is much more involved and complex than it was 200 years ago.

The powers of Congress to impeach and propose amendments to the Constitution are examples of

Powers given to the federal government are called

Congress is divided into two houses:  a Senate and a House of Representatives.

A representative introduces a bill by dropping it in a special box called a

Which amendment protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures?

The Fifth Amendment protects accused persons from self-incrimination.

The strongest Anti-Federalist voice in the campaign for a bill of rights was

United States Senators are elected to terms of

The word "slavery" is mentioned all throughout the Constitution.

A President may serve a maximum of how many terms in office?

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibited alcoholic beverages?

The Senate has more limits on the length of debate than does the House.

The Constitution describes in detail how the president pro tempore of the Senate is chosen.

Judicial review gives Congress final say over the validity of any law.

The executive branch is the second largest branch of the federal government today.

In 1965, two students in Iowa were suspended from school for wearing armbands in protest of the

Congress needs a 3/4 vote of both houses to override a President's veto.

Which of the following is not a reserved power?

The First Continental Congress took place in 1774 in the city of

Joint committees are select committees formed to conduct investigations.

The President's inner circle of trusted advisors and assistants is called the

Courts in the United States can decide to interpret a particular law any time they wish.

Municipalities that serve small populations are called

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution dealt with lawsuits against the states?

The War Powers Act of 1973 was passed by Congress as a result of President(s)

The secretary of state

Representatives elected in 1619 by the Virginia colonists were called

At the head of the executive branch of state government is the governor.

State executive agencies carry out the daily work of the executive branch.

All nine Supreme Court justives must unanimously decide a case.

Cases which determine whether a person accused of breaking a law is guilty/not guilty are

The President's right to keep some information secret from Congress and the courts is called

The First Continental Congress took place in 1774 in the city of

The English Bill of Rights

Which of the following is a limit on the power of the President?

Election Day is the

Plans for dealing with the nation's problems is called

A monarch usually takes power by force.

Which executive department provides assistance to farmers?

The colonists' definition of religious freedom meant that a person could belong to

Powers shared by the federal government and the state governments are called

Congress decides who can vote for state legislators.

The President's authority is based on the consent of the people.

The organization and names of state courts is the same in all 50 states.

The United States Supreme Court may add, remove, or change words in the Constitution.

There is no limit on the number of terms a state legislator may serve.

Each state chooses its own electors to the Electoral College.

Which is not a criterion to become the President of the United States?

The Magna Carta was significant because it was the first time that the English monarch's power

The service that local governments spend the most money on is

Courts may have to decide

In 509 B.C., the Romans founded a

Dictators are often military leader who rely on the military and police to keep them in power.

Agreements made by the President with other countries that do not need Senate approval are

In regards to how much power the national government should be given,

The First Continental Congress took place in 1774 in the city of

A justice who agrees with the majority opinion but has different reasons for supporting it may

The major job of state legislators is to make laws.

The requirements for being a U.S. senator and a U.S. representative are the same.

Which executive department carries out foreign policy?

A constitutional amendment can nullify a Supreme Court decision.

A judge seeks to solve individual problems, whereas a legislator seeks to solve broad problems.

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution is nicknamed the "Second Bill of Rights?"

A method of choosing judges that has been adopted in some states is the

A system of committees is set up in both the House and the Senate to

Appellate courts

The United States Supreme Court's decision in the Skokie case was that

Colonial citizens had complete control over their government.

Taxes paid on the value of a person's personal property are called

Which executive department provides assistance to elementary and high schools?

The Executive Office of the President is largely made up of people who help the President make

A form of government in which laws are made directly by citizens is called a

The Constitution specificallt lists the powers of the states.

A motion to end debate in the Senate is called a

Who could vote or hold public office in the American colonies?

A government that serves people who live in an urban area is called a

The most popular way to propose amendments to the Constitution is

Congress's power to control what money it gives to the executive branch of the federal govt is

Which amendment declares that rights not mentioned in the Constitution belong to the people?

Fillibusters can happen in both the Senate and the House.

The law that governed the process in which a territory could become a state was the

Only those states that ratified the Constitution would be part of the new nation.

At New England town meetings, no officials are chosen because they are elected by voters.

Around 500 B.C., the Athenians created the world's first

Certificates that people buy from the government to finance large projects are called

State courts that review cases appealed from state trial courts are called

The leaders of standing committees decide which bills their committee will study.

The common belief in America throughout the early part of the 20th Century was that

Grants given for specific purposes and come with "strings attached" are called

Federal judges and Supreme Court justices hold their offices for life as long as

The last time Congress used its power to declare war was in

The Supreme Court has the final say over whether constitutional principles have been followed 

The purpose of yearly New England town meetings was to

The first ten amendments to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights.

Federalism has often been compared to a marble cake, in that its powers mix and overlap.

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution provided for the direct election of U.S. senators?

A Supreme Court decision shows exactly how the law must be applied in a given situation.

Congress has formed a total of 12 regulatory commissions.

State officials are important in public education in that they

Both Congress and the President have the power to declare war.

Who presides over impeachment trials?

Most cases that reach the U.S. Supreme Court have far-reaching consequences for the country.

In each of the original 13 colonies, citizens were not allowed to have a voice in their govt.

Powers that are shared by both the federal government and the states are called

Local governments often appoint a planning commission to get information about the community.

Committees that resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill are called

The President is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces.

If a person commits a crime in one state and then flees to another state and is caught,

Local governments

A justice who does not agree the majority's decision may write a

Today, executive departments form the largest part of the executive branch.

The main check that the judicial branch has on Congress is the power to

Most cases that are appealed reach the United States Supreme Court.

A plan of government is called a

Who is the "jury" in impeachment trials?

Constituents expect senators and representatives to be their voice in Congress.

The Constitution tells what the government can and cannot do.

There are no time limits set on debates in the House of Representatives.

In June 1788, the ninth state to ratify the Constitution was

Local governments are in charge of providing all public education from K-12.

Members of Congress have free use of the postal system for congressional business, and this is

Under the Articles of Confederation, most power would remain with the states.

The First Continental Congress took place in 1774 in the city of

United States representatives serve

The crime of treason involves

The President can grant a ___ to reduce punishment for persons convicted of federal crimes.

The Senate must confirm all treaties and appointments made by the President.

State constitutions are more likely to be amended than the United States Constitution.

In many countries of the world, the government controls the news people see and hear.

Formal rules that govern our behavior in society are called laws.

A constitutional amendment must first be approved at the national level, usually by Congress.

Zoning is a tool used by local governments to plan and control the growth of their communities.

Which amendment guarantees the right to possess firearms in a state militia?

The 18th Amendment to the Constitution is often referred to as the "Second Bill of Rights."

The "Rehnquist Court" (1986-2005) was known for

If a state law conflicts with a federal law, the state law takes priority.

The "Warren Court" (1953-1969) was known for

On which of the following issues did the delegates to the Constitutional Convention disagree?

A federal circuit court is a group of district courts within a particular geographic area.

A written agreement to make and obey laws for the welfare of a group is called a

The most important duty of the President is to

In most states, senators serve

In persuading Americans to support the ratification of the Constitution, the Federalist Papers

Congress can impeach the Pres and other high officials for serious wrongdoing.

Civil cases are titled plaintiff v. defendant.

The law which created the district courts and the courts of appeals at the federal level was

Who spread news from colony to colony about how England was violating the colonists' rights?

Counties are called "boroughs" in

State constitutions in most states allow for judges to be impeached.

Each two-year term of Congress is divided into two sessions, one for each year.

Rules of the Constitutional Convention were aimed at keeping the proceedings secret.

American cities have become smaller over the past decade.

Which executive department provides assistance to American businesses?

To be a U.S. senator, a person must be at least 35 years old.

The branch of the U.S. govt that is represented by the Supreme Court is the

When federal and state governments give money to local governments, this money is called a

State court systems interpret state constitutions and laws.

If the President dies or resigns, second in line for the Presidency is the

The plan of city govt intended to create honest govt in the era of "political machines" is the

A form of government in which citizens elect representatives to make laws is a

Most legal disputes and violations of the law are decided in

To be a U.S. senator, a person must be a U.S. resident for at least 9 years.

Rules and regulations which executive branch employees must follow are called

Many members of Congress place a great deal of emphasis on casework.

Police officers and firefighters look after public safety in emergencies and non-emergencies.

The American colonists believed that their interests were adequately represented in Parliament.

Executive orders may not violate the Constitution or laws passed by Congress.

If a President becomes seriously ill, who becomes "acting President?"

Cases that first go to lower courts are called cases of

Both the Tinker and Skokie cases were tests of the First Amendment.

The court to which a case first goes has

Who brings the charges against the Pres or other high officials in the impeachment process?

Supreme Court decisions must be obeyed by

The Vice-President of the United States

The only U.S. state that has a unicameral legislature is

Separation of powers among the 3 branches of govt prevents any one branch from abusing power.

The principle that gives the Supreme Court the right to declare a law unconstitutional is

The organization of the federal court system is very

When a plaintiff is found not guilty in a criminal case, the prosecution can appeal.

Which executive department enforces laws on working conditions and minimum wage?

In what year was George Washington elected as the first President of the United States?

Presidents usually try to appoint Supreme Court justices who will favor the their positions.

Some people believe that the federal government should stay ot of the states' business.

The leader of the House of Representatives is called the

The official church of England which was supported by tax dollars of all English citizens was

Most people who work in the bureaucracy are hired to work for only one President.

When writing the Bill of Rights in 1789, members of Congress refrred to

The President's plan for how to raise and spend money to carry out his programs is called his

The most important function of Congress is to

The minority party in the Senate chooses the president pro tempore.

 The Vice-President of the United States serves as President of the

The Constitution states that, except in cases of impeachment, trials for crimes shall be

The assessor

Which two U.S. Presidents were impeached?

A cenus is

The South feared that the North might use its political power to abolish slavery.

Which of the following court cases would not be handled by state courts?

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution provided electoral votes for the District of Columbia?

The governor has the power to call on the National Guard in the event of a riot or a disaster.

Which document argued that the U.S. had to unite under a strong central govt. to survive?

The United States Constitution is "the supreme law of the land."

Most Presidents give their Vice-Presidents a very active role.

Trial courts conduct a trial heard by a judge and/or jury and determine the facts in a case.

The United States Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in cases involving

Which executive department provides financial help to the familes of veterans?

How many delegates attended the Constitutional Convention of 1787?

By determining whether actions taken by the President are constitutional, the Supreme Court is

State legislatures will never pass a law if they know citizens are preparing an initiative.

The Second Continental Congress had the task of convincing Americans that

Who may bring impeachment charges against a public official?

President Reagan's "New Federalism" plan asked Congress to 

Which of the following was not part of the Great Compromise?

Today, most states reapportion seats in their legislatures every 100 years.

The govt doesn't have to pay people a fair market price for property it seizes for public use.

Under the civil service system, government workers are hired on the basis of merit.

Although they usually seek advice on foreign policy, Presidents must make the final decisions.

An order for police to bring an accused person into court to assess evidence against him/her is

Today, congressional districts contain about how many people?

Ideas for bills come from

The Bill of Rights was intended to explain how peoples' rights apply to every situation.

The Rules Committee decides when and for how long a bill will be debated in the

The "power of the purse" is one of Congress's main checks on the judicial branch.

Government corporations act like private businesses.

Many countries that were once monarchies have become democracies.

In some larger New England towns, citizens choose representatives to attend town meetings.

A President may issue a ___ to delay/reduce punishment for the commission of a federal crime.

The Constitution gives the Vice-President no clear duties except to preside over the Senate.

A group of people who manage the business of an organization are called

Members of Congress cannot be arrested, tried, convicted, and sent to prison.

Which executive department conducts research on sources of energy?

Americans have a right to express their opinions, no matter how unpopular those opinions are.

Precedent is rarely a factor in a judge's decision in a case.

Which of the following is not true about the qualifications to be a state governor?

The upper house of state legislatures is called the

Charges for driver's licenses and hunting and fishing permits are called

The "Burger Court" (1969-1986) was known for

The clause in the Constitution that gives Congress room to stretch its powers is the

The President may issue a ___ to prevent a trial in cases involving federal crimes.

State court judges perform many of the same duties and functions as federal judges.

Which of the following is not a delegated power?

Utilities are best provided for at the federal level.

The Constitution's framers chose ratifying conventions over approval by state legislatures.

The Constitution's framers feared that state legislatures would vote against the Constitution.

By determining whether laws passed by Congess are constitutional, the Supreme Court is

By refusing to confirm presidential appointees to the Supreme Court, the Senate can

Government programs that give help to people in need are called

In an attempt to prevent the demonstrators' actions, Skokie officials passed laws that

In the Dred Scott case, the United States Supreme Court ruled that slaves were

The Constitution states that Congress need not consider the President's ideas wheh making laws.

An effort by judges to take an active role in policymaking by often overturning laws is called

Who proposed the Virginia Plan?

The President does not have to tell Congress when he makes an executive agreement.

What fraction of the Senate is elected every two years?

The Federalists believed that a strong national government would

Which of the following is a power of Congress to establish justice?

Federal judges must balance the rights of individuals with the interests of the entire nation.

An effort by judges to avoid overturning laws and not get involved in policymaking is called

Powers neither given to the federal government nor denied to the states are called

The jury in the Zenger Case declared that John Zenger was

Because no government has all the money it needs, officials must decide what services to offer.

In many legal cases, a jury decides the facts of the case.

Administrative assistants

Attorneys first present oral arguments to the Supreme Court, followed by submitting briefs.

The Supreme Court decision which gave the Court the power of judicial review was

A volunteer army is called a

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution repealed prohibition of alcoholoc beverages?

Most states have judicial action commissions to deal with judges who aren't doing their jobs.

States raise more than half of their revenue from taxes.

The governor is commander-in-chief of the state militia, or National Guard.

The oldest form of local government is the

The landmark Supreme Court decision that established the principle of judicial review was

Another name for a request is a

Police officers must read the Miranda Warning to people when arresting them.

In Marbury v. Madison (1803), the Supreme Court ruled that

Supreme Court justices must have

All federal judges and Supreme Court justices are appointed by the

How many delegates signed the Constitution?

Monarchies in which the monarch holds all the power are very common today.

Counties are called "parishes" in

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution lowered the voting age to 18?

Under the Constitution, power is divided

Most state courts have 3 levels:  trial courts, appellate courts, and courts of final appeals.

The principle of equal protection was originally intended to prevent states from denying

In the United States, citizens have the right to

Dictators' actions are limited by laws and legislatures.

The main job of the Executive Office of the President is to advise the President on

All federal judges and Supreme Court justices cannot be removed from office.

Which amendment prohibits excessive bail, fines, and punishments?

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution gave women the right to vote?

Which of the following is a main component of the executive branch of the federal government?

As the most important representative of the U.S. in relations with other nations, the President

Which of the following is not true about floor leaders in both the House and the Senate?

The impeachment process in state legislatures is

A judge must remain neutral and cannot take sides in a court case.

The Attorney General is the head of the Department of

Which amendment guarantees all citizens due process of law?

Which of the following is not true about the mayor-council plan of city government?

The NJ Plan called for a bicameral legislature in which all states would have an equal vote.

People who favor a strong national government make all of the following arguments except

A court's decision that can establish guidelines for how future similar cases are decided is

Laws passed by Congress during the 1960s which guarded against racial discrimination were

The lieutenant governor

Today, electors cast one ballot for President and a separate ballot for Vice-President.

Taxes on making, selling, or using items such as cigarettes within the nation are called

Which document provided protections against tyranny which the colonists treasured?

Safety rules which local governments must make sure that people follow are called

Many African Americans were prevented from voting prior to 1964 because 

Which of the following ideas was not stated by Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence?

The highest court in the state which hears cases appealed from state appeals courts is the