l jurisdiction, that is, that are heard without prior consideration by any other court. Such cases comparatively few are those in which a state is a party and those effect foreign ambassadors and ministers.
             Second, the Supreme Court receives appeals from the lower federal courts: Ninety-three district courts, eleven courts of appeals, and a few specialized courts such as the U. S. court of claims. Although the Supreme Court has a statutory obligation to hear certain types of appeals, most cases come up for review on the writ of certiorari, a writ that the court can grant or refuse as it sees fit. The writ is granted on the affirmative vote of four justices. Thus the court is largely free to decide only cases that present issues of public importance.
             Third, the court reviews appeals from state supreme court that present a substantial federal question, generally where a federal constitutional right has been denied in the state courts. Article VI makes the federal Constitution, laws, and treaties and binding on state judges. Review by the Supreme Court enforces this obligation.
             Because the Supreme Court has the power to interpret the Constitution and to declare acts of the president and congressional statues unconstitutional, the American system is often referred as one of judicial supre
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