Final answer:
Article III of the Constitution establishes the judicial branch, which has evolved to play a crucial role in law interpretation and individual rights protection. There are no constitutional qualifications for Supreme Court justices, and they are appointed for life by the President with Senate confirmation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Constitution outlines the foundation of the judicial branch in Article III, granting Congress the ability to shape and structure the federal judiciary. Initially, the number of Supreme Court Justices was not set, ranging from six to ten, before stabilizing at nine since 1869. The Supreme Court justices are appointed for life, ensuring an independent judiciary. Remarkably, the Constitution does not specify qualifications for becoming a Supreme Court justice, unlike the legislative and executive branches.
Through the Judiciary Act of 1789, Congress established the initial number of Supreme Court justices at six and created a system of district and circuit courts, as well as the role of attorney general. The judicial branch has vastly grown in importance over time, playing a pivotal role in interpreting the Constitution, shaping law and public policy, and protecting individual rights and liberties.
Justices of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, different from the elected positions of the legislative and executive branches. This appointment process underscores the importance of a non-elected, independent authority tasked with upholding the laws and Constitution of the United States.