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

The U.S. Supreme Court is composed of nine justices, a structure that has been in place since 1869. This number is established by Congress and reflects the balance of power intended by the framers of the Constitution. The justices include one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. The purpose of having a set number of justices is to provide a stable court system that can deliver consistent rulings and maintain clarity in legal interpretations. Over the years, proposals to alter the number of justices have arisen, often in response to political shifts or contentious issues, but the Court's composition has remained at nine for over a century. Understanding this reflects not only on the makeup of the judiciary but also on the broader implications of judicial review and the role of the Supreme Court in shaping American law and politics.