How many justices serve on the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court of the United States is comprised of nine justices, a structure that has been in place since 1869. This number was established by Congress and remains unchanged to this day. The justices are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, and they serve lifetime appointments, allowing the Court to maintain continuity and stability in interpreting the Constitution and federal law.

Having nine justices allows for a diverse range of opinions and helps to prevent ties in decision-making, as an even number could lead to deadlocks. The Court's composition is crucial in deciding significant legal and constitutional issues that can have far-reaching impacts on American law and society.

In contrast to the correct answer, the choices suggesting seven, eleven, or thirteen justices do not reflect the current structure of the Supreme Court. These numbers may represent historical contexts or speculative suggestions for future changes, but they do not align with the established norm of nine justices currently serving on the Court.