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American Government / Unit 9   Gov 418 short lesson, about 20 seconds

The Three Federal Tiers

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The idea

The federal system has three tiers: district courts try cases, circuit courts of appeals review them, and the Supreme Court sits last.

In practice

Losing parties appeal upward; decisions of higher courts bind the lower ones.

Where people slip

"If chosen" governs the top step — the Supreme Court picks its cases.

Your place on the trail

Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.

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