Summarize the historical foundations and structure of the U.S court system. Our nation’s court system is described as a dual system, with both distinct federal and state courts. Unlike police...

Summarize the historical foundations and structure of the

U.S court system. Our nation’s court system is described as a dual system, with both distinct federal and state courts. Unlike police departments that operate independently of each other, the courts are organized in a hierarchy whereby decisions of a lower court can be reviewed and reversed by a higher court. The Tenth Amendment of the Constitution gives each state the authority to establish its own court system. Each state has a final court of appeals, but it is possible to appeal a state decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.

1. Why is the United States referred to as a dual court system?

2. How does the Tenth Amendment affect state courts?

3. Which court ultimately has the highest appellate authority?