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The Judiciary Act of 1789 provided for two classes of United States courts inferior to the Supreme Court-circuit courts and district courts, but not for circuit judges. The circuit courts, from that time to 1869, were held by Justices of the Supreme Court or by district judges. In February, 1801, the Federalists, trying to extend the scope of the Federal judiciary, provided for sixteen circuit judges; but the Republicans promptly repealed this in 1802. Beginning with three, the circuits have increased to nine. In 1869 provision was made for special judges for the circuit courts, and the New York circuit has since been given an additional one. (See also art. Circuit Court of Appeals.)