Final answer:
Various influences can affect the decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court, including lobbying through amicus briefs, influencing judicial appointments, and checks imposed by the executive and legislative branches. However, the court's power is limited by obligations to explain its decisions and the cooperation of other branches of government in enforcing those decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Influences on the Supreme Court's Decisions
Although the court system, including the U.S. Supreme Court, is intended to be independent of politics, there are various ways in which it can be influenced. One of the ways the Supreme Court can be lobbied is through interest groups filing amicus briefs, also known as 'friend of the court' briefs. These briefs present legal arguments to persuade the court to take a case or to rule in a certain way. Lobbying for judicial appointments by having influence on the president and the Senate is another form of influencing the Supreme Court.
External Checks on Power
The executive and legislative branches, through the president's authority to nominate federal judges, also play a role in influencing the power and direction of the courts. Presidents can shape the courts by appointing judges who are likely to support their policies.
Limits on the Supreme Court's Power
However, despite these influences, there are limitations on the Supreme Court's power. For instance, judges are obligated to justify and explain their decisions to other courts, scholars, and the public. Additionally, enforcement of the court's decisions relies on the cooperation of the executive and legislative branches. If politicians refuse to abide by the court's decisions, the court's power could be limited.