The role of the Supreme Court in American politics the least dangerous branch?

"When the Supreme Court effectively decided the presidential election of 2000, it's decision illustrated a classic question in American politics: what is the appropriate role for the Supreme Court? The dilemma is between judicial activism, the Court's willingness to make significant changes in public policy, and judicial restraint, the Court's willingness to confine the use and extent of its power. While the Framers of the Constitution felt that the judiciary would be the "least dangerous branch" of government, many have come to the conclusion that courts govern America, a notion at odds with democratic government. [In this book, the author] traces the historical ebb and flow of the Court's role in the critical issues of American politics: slavery, free speech, religion, abortion, and affirmative action. [The author] examines the arguments for judicial restraint, including that unelected judges making policy runs against democratic principles, and the arguments for judicial activism, including the important role the court has played as a protector of minority rights. [The author] suggests that there needs to be a balance between judicial activism and restraint in light of the constraints on the institution and its power. -Back cover."

"The role of the Supreme Court in American politics the least dangerous branch?"