The U.S. Supreme Court’s new session opens Monday. It is likely to include a host of controversial cases involving federal powers, including health care, immigration law and affirmative action.

The nine justices will decide in the coming weeks and months whether to hear constitutional challenges to President Barack Obama’s signature domestic policy – health care. The new law – much of which has yet to come into effect – will be a prominent issue ahead of presidential and congressional elections in November next year, along with the issue of immigration.

The United States’ highest court will once again consider hearing oral arguments regarding affirmative action in college admissions and decide whether quotas can be used to determine college admissions.

The U.S. state of Arizona’s controversial immigration laws will be considered for debate before the bench, as well as strict immigration laws in other states. Lower courts have limited or blocked some facets of the laws in some states. A Supreme Court decision would impact attempts by other states to reshape immigration policies.

Cases are presented for consideration by the justices during their 9-month session. Not all cases are guaranteed to be heard by the court. Once a case is presented before the Supreme Court, a decision is typically rendered by June.

The current U.S. Supreme Court is comprised of five Republican and four Democratic appointees. They serve life terms without having to run for election.