GED Social Studies TestCivics and GovernmentHard
A Supreme Court justice is appointed for a term of 'good behavior.' This means they serve until they retire, resign, or are removed through a specific process. This aspect of judicial tenure is primarily designed to ensure which of the following?
- AJudicial independence from political pressure
- BFrequent rotation of judges for fresh perspectives
- CDirect presidential control over the judiciary
- DPolitical accountability to the electorate
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Judicial independence from political pressure
Life tenure (serving during 'good behavior') for federal judges, including Supreme Court justices, is a key mechanism to ensure judicial independence. It allows judges to make decisions based on law and the Constitution without fear of being removed for unpopular rulings or political retribution.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Life tenure ensures continuity and experience, not frequent rotation.
- C. Life tenure limits direct presidential control, as presidents cannot easily remove justices they appointed once confirmed.
- D. Life tenure explicitly reduces political accountability to the electorate, contrasting with elected officials.
Judicial Independence
The principle that the judiciary should be free from interference from the executive and legislative branches of government, as well as from private or partisan interests.
- Ensured by life tenure ('good behavior') for federal judges
- Allows judges to make impartial decisions based on law
- Crucial for maintaining the rule of law and protecting constitutional rights
Memory trick: J.I. = 'Justice Is Independent'.