GK Quiz Questions on The First Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court with Answers

The U.S. Supreme Court stands as one of the important pillars of American democracy which serving as the highest judicial body in the United States. Its decisions have profoundly shaped the nation's legal landscape, interpreting the Constitution and ensuring justice. The journey of this esteemed institution began in the late 18th century, a pivotal time when the foundations of the American government were being laid. At the helm of this developing judicial power was its very first Chief Justice, an individual whose leadership was instrumental in defining the Court's initial identity, procedures, and administrative framework. 

So, this quiz will help to test your understanding of the early history of the U.S. Supreme Court, focusing specifically on its first Chief Justice. Let’s see how well you know this important part of American history!

Check out: Who Was the First Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court? Check Name, Tenure, and More

GK Quiz Questions on The First Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court with Answers

1. Who was nominated by President George Washington to be the first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court?

1. James Wilson 

2. John Rutledge

3. John Jay 

4. William Cushing

Answer: c)  John Jay 

Explanation: John Jay was nominated by President George Washington on September 24, 1789, the same day the Judiciary Act was signed into law, officially establishing the position of Chief Justice.

2. When was the position of Chief Justice officially established, and John Jay nominated?

1.  October 19, 1789 

2. September 24, 1789 

3. February 1790 

4. August 3, 1791

Answer: b) September 24, 1789 

Explanation: The position of Chief Justice was officially created when President George Washington signed the Judiciary Act of 1789 into law. John Jay was nominated for the role on this very same day.

3. On what date was John Jay sworn in as the first Chief Justice? 

1.  September 24, 1789

2. September 26, 1789 

3. October 19, 1789

4. February 1790

Answer: c) October 19, 1789 

Explanation: Following his nomination on September 24, 1789, and Senate confirmation on September 26, 1789, John Jay officially took the oath of office on October 19, 1789.

4. Approximately how long did John Jay serve as the first Chief Justice?

1. Two years

2. Four years 

3. Six years 

4. Ten years

Answer: c) Six years 

Explanation: John Jay served as the Chief Justice for about six years, from October 1789 until June 29, 1795.

5. Why did John Jay step down from his position as Chief Justice?

1. He retired due to old age.

2. He was impeached from office.

3.  He was elected as the Governor of New York.

4. He was appointed as an ambassador to France.

Answer: c) He was elected as the Governor of New York. 

Explanation: John Jay resigned from his role as Chief Justice because he was elected to serve as the Governor of New York, choosing to pursue public service in a different capacity.

6. Who took over as Chief Justice immediately after John Jay's tenure?

1. James Wilson 

2. William Cushing

3. John Rutledge 

4. James Iredell

Answer: c) John Rutledge 

Explanation: After John Jay's departure, John Rutledge, who had previously served as one of the original Associate Justices, assumed the position of Chief Justice.

7. Who appointed all the Associate Justices who served under John Jay's tenure? 

1. John Jay himself

2. The U.S. Senate

3. George Washington

4. Thomas Jefferson

Answer: c) George Washington 

Explanation: All the Associate Justices who served alongside John Jay during his time as Chief Justice were appointed by President George Washington.

8. When did the U.S. Supreme Court hold its first official session? 

1.  September 24, 1789 

2. October 19, 1789

3.  February 1790 

4. August 3, 1791

Answer: c) February 1790 

Explanation: The U.S. Supreme Court convened for its first official session in February 1790, marking the beginning of its judicial operations.

9. What was the U.S. Supreme Court's first decided case? 

1. Marbury v. Madison 

2. West v. Barnes

3. Chisholm v. Georgia 

4. Hylton v. United States

Answer: b) West v. Barnes 

Explanation: The first case officially decided by the U.S. Supreme Court was West v. Barnes, which was issued on August 3, 1791, and involved procedural issues related to a farm mortgage.

10. What significant contribution did John Jay make regarding jury instructions during his tenure? 

1. He mandated that juries could only interpret facts, not law. 

2. He suggested that juries could interpret both facts and law. 

3. He abolished the use of juries in Supreme Court cases. 

4. He introduced the concept of a grand jury.

Answer: b) He suggested that juries could interpret both facts and law. 

Explanation: In 1794, John Jay made a notable contribution by suggesting that juries had the authority to interpret both the facts of a case and the applicable law, which was an early indication of the concept of jury nullification.

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