The Political Questions Doctrine is a principle in US constitutional law that allows the Supreme Court to refuse to hear cases that it believes are better resolved by the political branches of government (i.e., the executive or legislative branches). This usually involves issues that the Constitution assigns to those branches or that lack judicially manageable standards for resolution. Essentially, the Court avoids getting involved in matters it deems inherently political rather than legal.
Match the following terms with their definitions:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Justiciability | A. The power of the judiciary to review actions of other branches. |
| 2. Judicial Review | B. A question that the court believes is better resolved by another branch. |
| 3. Political Question | C. Whether a case is suitable for a court to hear and decide. |
| 4. Separation of Powers | D. The division of governmental power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. |
| 5. Constitutionality | E. Whether something is in accordance with the Constitution. |
(Answers: 1-C, 2-A, 3-B, 4-D, 5-E)
The Political Questions Doctrine is rooted in the principle of _________ __ _________, which divides power among the three branches of government. The Supreme Court uses this doctrine to avoid cases that lack _________ _________ standards for judicial resolution or that are better handled by the _________ or _________ branches.
(Answers: separation of powers, judicially manageable, executive, legislative)
Why is it important for the Supreme Court to exercise judicial restraint and avoid ruling on political questions? What are the potential consequences if the Court oversteps its boundaries and becomes too involved in political matters?
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