Final answer:
The Constitution establishes the Supreme Court and allows Congress to create lower federal courts. The federal judiciary is structured with District Courts, Circuit Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court. Judges are appointed for life with protection against salary reductions to ensure independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Constitution structures the federal judiciary to include a Supreme Court and allows Congress to establish lower federal courts. According to Article III, there is one Supreme Court, which has both original and appellate jurisdiction, though most cases are appellate.
The creation and organization of lower courts are left to the discretion of Congress. The Judiciary Act of 1789 played a crucial role in shaping the federal judiciary by establishing the basic three-tiered structure consisting of District Courts, Circuit Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court.
Federal judges are appointed for life, with protections against reductions in salary, ensuring judicial independence. The federal court system evolved into a dual court model, distinguishing it from state court systems that have their own jurisdiction. The federal system has been refined over the years but maintains a structure conducive to applying legal precedents, offering stability and the capacity for gradual evolution.
Congress retains checks on the judiciary, including the ability to alter federal court structures and appellate jurisdiction, as well as the right to confirm or reject judicial nominees. This integrated but intricate system of checks and balances is pivotal in maintaining the separation of powers central to the federal government's operation.