Final answer:
Article III of the Constitution established the Supreme Court and authorized Congress to create lower federal courts. The Supreme Court primarily hears appeals as an appellate court but also has limited original jurisdiction. Congress determines the structure and size of the federal judiciary.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Article III of the U.S. Constitution
Article III of the Constitution establishes a single Supreme Court, which forms the apex of the federal judicial system. The very same Article III also grants Congress the power to create additional "inferior," or lower courts. The Supreme Court has the jurisdiction to hear cases as the highest court, primarily operating under appellate jurisdiction. It is the court of last resort for those seeking appeals from decisions made in the lower courts.
In contrast, original jurisdiction is limited within the Supreme Court, typically involving cases between states, or between the United States and foreign ambassadors or ministers. Over time, Congress has utilized its power to shape the federal judiciary, including setting the number of justices on the Supreme Court. The federal court system has expanded to include various levels of courts, such as the U.S. District Courts, U.S. Courts of Appeals, and specialized courts like the Bankruptcy Courts.