How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court of the United States is made up of nine justices. This structure has been in place since 1869, when Congress set the number at nine to balance representation and ensure a definitive decision-making body for the country's highest court. The justices include one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices who are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. This composition allows for a variety of perspectives while maintaining a clear majority for decision-making. The consistent number of justices over the years has helped in stabilizing the Court's role within the judicial system and fostering a unified approach to interpreting the Constitution and federal law.