How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court of the United States is comprised of nine justices. This structure has been in place since the Judiciary Act of 1869, which established the current number. The Chief Justice leads the Court, and the eight associate justices assist in the decision-making process. Their primary role is to interpret the Constitution and federal law, adjudicating on cases that can set important legal precedents. The total of nine justices allows for a majority decision in case rulings, which is crucial for maintaining clarity and consistency in federal law and the legal system as a whole.

The other options reflect numbers that are not in alignment with the established structure of the Supreme Court. Historically, there have been different numbers of justices at various times, but the current and most recognized number is nine.