How many justices serve on the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court of the United States is composed of nine justices, a structure that has been in place since 1869. This number allows for a balance of opinions and helps to prevent ties in decision-making, as an odd number of justices can ensure that there is a majority. The composition of the Supreme Court is critical because it plays a pivotal role in interpreting the Constitution and federal laws, which can have significant impacts on American society and governance.

The reason for the specific choice of nine justices likely stems from historical decisions made to ensure that the Court could effectively adjudicate significant cases while also enabling a diverse range of judicial thinking and interpretation. While other options suggest different numbers of justices, none of them reflect the established structure of the U.S. Supreme Court.