The Supreme Court, Pt. I

Better Know a Supreme Court Justice

Lecture by Larry Sabato
20 min

• Flash Player
• Quicktime – 64 MB
  
• Windows Media Video – 33 MB
• Audio mp3 – 9 MB

Summary:
Nine individuals who are appointed, not elected, to life-time positions comprise the highest judicial body in the United States and head the third branch of the federal government. Appointed by the president and confirmed by Congress, the Supreme Court Justices are responsible for many landmark decisions that help shape the course of the country.

Click here to answer essay questions about the podcast.

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Larry Sabato is the founder and direction of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, a professor of politics, and a nationally renowned elections scholar.

 

Click here to email Professor Sabato.

 

America’s Elected Officials, Pt. III

Constituent Views: Strict Directives or Suggested Guidelines?

Lecture by Larry Sabato
16 min

• Flash Player
• Quicktime – 48 MB
  
• Windows Media Video – 40 MB
• Audio mp3 – 10 MB

Summary:
Members of congress face pressure from many different sources – including their constituents, political party, the president, interest groups, and their own ideological views – on how to vote on the issues placed before them. In deciding how to vote, members must determine if they will act as a delegate – basing their decisions on what their supporters want now – or as a trustee – making what they feel to be the best decisions for the future of their constituents, party, and country.

Click here to answer essay questions about the podcast.

—

Larry Sabato is the founder and direction of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, a professor of politics, and a nationally renowned elections scholar.

 

Click here to email Professor Sabato.