When the Court decides a case, it bases its decision on (Points : 1)

the preferences of the majority of justices.
past precedent.
the prevailing public opinion.
what it thinks that Congress wants to hear.

the preferences of the majority of justices.

Yes. But, often, precedent plays a large role, too. But your answer is correct.

When the Court decides a case, it primarily bases its decision on past precedent. Here's how you can arrive at this answer:

1. Understanding the Court's role: The Supreme Court is the highest judicial body in the United States. Its primary function is to interpret the Constitution and decide cases based on legal principles.

2. Analyzing the answer choices:
a. "The preferences of the majority of justices": While the justices vote on decisions, they do not base their decisions solely on personal preferences. They are expected to interpret the law impartially.
b. "The prevailing public opinion": The Court's decisions are not supposed to be influenced by public opinion. Instead, their purpose is to uphold constitutional principles and protect individual rights.
c. "What it thinks that Congress wants to hear": The Court's decisions should not be influenced by Congress. The Court's role is to interpret the law independently without being swayed by political considerations.

3. Understanding the importance of past precedent: One of the key principles that guides the Court's decision-making is the doctrine of stare decisis, which means to follow precedent. This doctrine ensures consistency and stability in the law by relying on previously decided cases. Justices analyze legal precedents to determine the appropriate outcome in the current case.

Based on this analysis, the correct answer is "past precedent."