How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court of the United States is comprised of nine justices. This has been the standard since 1869. The number of justices is established by Congress, and while the Constitution does not specify a number, the current structure has remained unchanged for over 150 years. The justices include one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices, all of whom are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

A common misconception is that the number of justices might vary widely, as seen in the choices provided. However, options like 7, 11, and 13 do not reflect the current composition of the court or historical standards. Understanding the number of justices is essential for recognizing how the judicial branch functions and the balance of power within the federal government.