NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?

SUMMARY

The Supreme Court begins a new term on Monday following a summer-long recess shaped by legal battles over the Trump administration’s agenda. William Brangham discussed the high-profile cases with News Hour Supreme Court analyst and SCOTUSBlog cofounder Amy Howe, and Stephen Vladeck, constitutional law professor at Georgetown University.

View the transcript of the story.

News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. When does the Supreme Court's new term begin?
2. What are some decisions the Supreme Court has already handed down since President Donald Trump took office? What new cases will the Court be hearing?
3. Who is Lisa Cook?
4. How has Chief Justice John Roberts traditionally decided cases when it comes to executive power, according to the two experts?
5. How does the Supreme Court provide a check on the executive and legislative branches of government?

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

Do you think the system of checks and balances is working under the current administration? Explain.

Media literacy:

Who are the different experts interviewed in this segment? How are they similar or different from one another?

WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO

Learn more about the checks and balances and the separation of powers.

1. Watch the American Experience video (1 minute) via PBS Learning Media here. The historians discuss what John Adams had in mind for an independent judiciary when he crafted the constitution for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Put yourself in Adams' shoes. Do you think he'd be satisfied with the current federal system of checks and balances? Explain.
   1. Look up your state's constitution here or here. You may want to use the background essay and discussion questions located on the right side of the page.
2. What other issues will the Supreme Court decide on this session? Conduct some research. You may wish to start with this case the Court will hear on a Hawaii gun reform law:

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