Posted Thursday, May 7, 2009
Featured on Episode 30 of the 2008-2009 season
Last week, Supreme Court Justice David Souter announced that he will retire. Now President Obama must appoint a replacement. The federal government is divided into three branches. President Obama runs the executive branch. The United States Senate and House of Representatives make up the legislative branch. The nine justices of the Supreme Court sit atop the judicial branch. Picking a new justice is one of the president's most important jobs. But first the U.S. Senate has to approve the nominee.
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Justice David Souter, 69, who has been on the court since 1990, said in a brief letter to the White House that he intended to retire when the justices go on their summer recess at the end of next month. President Obama has the authority to appoint the next justice, with the approval of the U.S. Senate.
Grades: 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade
Subjects: Social Studies
Standards Addressed: Students will be able to explain the major responsibilities of the judicial branch of the United States government, headed by the Supreme Court, which interprets and applies the laws.
Students will be able to explain the essential characteristics of American democracy including: the powers of government are limited by law; basic rights of individuals are guaranteed by the Constitution.
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A valuable source of current events for thousands of Ohio third through eighth grade students, this weekly news program helps teachers meet state academic content standards in language arts, social studies, and more while linking Ohio students with the world. Learn more about NewsDepth.
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