How many justices typically serve on the U.S. Supreme Court?

How many justices typically serve on the U.S. Supreme Court?

• A. Seven
• B. Five
• C. Eleven
• D. Nine

Answer: (D)

The question tests knowledge of how many justices sit on the Supreme Court today. The Court is set up with nine justices in its standard form: one Chief Justice and eight associate justices. This arrangement was established by law in the 19th century (the Judiciary Act of 1869) and has remained the default since then. With nine members, the Court can reach a majority of five to decide cases, balancing different viewpoints while keeping the group manageable. Historically, the number has varied, but the current, typical size is nine, which is why that option is the correct one. The other numbers don’t reflect the Court’s modern structure.