How many Supreme Court justices are usually needed to decide a case?

Answer

Five (5)

Remember it: Nine seats, five to decide.

Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 2025 civics test. Last reviewed September 5, 2026.

This is question 54 of 128 on the 2025 USCIS civics test, in the section System of government.

More from this section

This is the largest section, 47 questions, and the one most people find hardest. It covers Congress, the presidency, the courts, and what the federal and state governments each control. Expect several questions from here at your interview; the numbers (100 senators, 435 representatives, 9 justices, 27 amendments, terms of 2, 4, and 6 years) are worth drilling until they are automatic.

What does the judicial branch do?#51 What is the highest court in the United States?#52 How many seats are on the Supreme Court?#53 How long do Supreme Court justices serve?#55 Supreme Court justices serve for life. Why?#56 Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?#57

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