-Why did the Judiciary Act of 1801 reduce the number of Supreme Court justices from six to five?
A) Republicans felt that this reduction in membership would strengthen the district courts at the state level.
B) Federalists wanted to minimize Jefferson's opportunities to appoint justices to the Supreme Court.
C) Congress realized that the Supreme Court already had more power than the legislative branch.
D) Republicans wanted to remove the strong Federalist influence present in the Supreme Court.

Question

-Why did the Judiciary Act of 1801 reduce the number of Supreme Court justices from six to five?
A) Republicans felt that this reduction in membership would strengthen the district courts at the state level. 
B) Federalists wanted to minimize Jefferson's opportunities to appoint justices to the Supreme Court. 
C) Congress realized that the Supreme Court already had more power than the legislative branch. 
D) Republicans wanted to remove the strong Federalist influence present in the Supreme Court.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Judiciary Act of 1801 was passed by the Federalist-controlled Congress to reorganize the federal court system. Federalists aimed to limit the incoming President Thomas Jefferson's ability to appoint new Supreme Court justices by reducing the number of justices, thereby minimizing the chance for Jefferson, a Republican, to influence the Court's composition.

-Why Did the Judiciary Act of 1801 Reduce the Number