The Supreme Court operates as a political institution rather than an independent judiciary

Federal and state court systems of the United States, judicial appointments, constitutional interpretation and the rulings that decide policy when the other branches deadlock. Life tenure for federal judges makes each confirmation a durable political stake rather than a procedural step.

Highest court in the United States federal judiciary, with nine justices who interpret the Constitution and settle disputes the lower courts leave unresolved. Its rulings decide policy the elected branches cannot agree on, which is why each vacancy becomes a political event.