How many justices comprise the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court of the United States is composed of nine justices. This structure has been in place since 1869, and the number of justices is determined by Congress. The nine justices include one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. This framework is designed to ensure a diversity of opinions and a balance in judicial deliberation, allowing for thorough consideration of cases.

The choices that refer to numbers other than nine, such as seven, eleven, and thirteen, do not reflect the current composition of the Supreme Court. While there have been times in U.S. history where the number of justices changed, it has stabilized at nine since the late 19th century. Understanding this composition is crucial when studying the judicial branch and its function in the American legal system.