How many justices are on the U.S. Supreme Court?

The U.S. Supreme Court is comprised of nine justices. This number has been established since 1869 and has remained unchanged since then. The justices include one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. This structure allows for a diverse range of opinions and interpretations of the law, which is crucial in ensuring that the Court can thoroughly deliberate on cases before it.

The number of justices is also significant because it is intended to help in preventing ties when voting on cases. With an odd number of justices, there will always be a majority opinion, which is essential for the development of legal precedents and for providing clear rulings on important legal issues. The decisions made by the Supreme Court have far-reaching impacts on American society and the interpretation of the Constitution.

Other numbers listed in the choices represent different judicial configurations that have never been part of the Supreme Court's history, making them incorrect. The system has been stable with nine justices, ensuring both efficiency and integrity in the judiciary.