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

The United States Supreme Court consists of nine justices. This number has been established since the Judiciary Act of 1869, which set the total number of justices on the Court at nine. Each justice is nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, serving lifetime appointments unless they choose to retire or are removed through impeachment. The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in interpreting the Constitution and determining the legality of laws and actions taken by the government, making the composition of the Court significant for the judicial system and the functioning of democracy in the U.S.