How many justices are there on the US Supreme Court?

The United States Supreme Court is composed of nine justices, which includes one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. This structure has been in place since 1869, when Congress established the number of justices, providing stability and consistency to the highest court in the nation. The nine justices are appointed for life, which allows them to make decisions free from political pressures, thereby upholding the independence of the judiciary.

Understanding the structure of the Supreme Court, including the number of justices, is essential for comprehending how the U.S. judicial system functions and how decisions are made at the highest level. The other options presented do not reflect the current makeup of the court, as the number of justices has not varied in recent history and has not included 7, 11, or 13 justices at any point in the modern era.