Why are federal judges appointed for life?

• A. To allow for frequent reappointment
• B. To align with the President's term
• C. To ensure independence from political pressure
• D. To allow judges to be elected each term

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is protecting judicial independence. Federal judges are given lifetime tenure to insulate them from political pressure and public opinion, so they can decide cases based on the Constitution and laws rather than concerns about reappointment or elections. This stability helps maintain consistent and impartial interpretations of the law over time, which is essential for upholding the rule of law and the separation of powers.

Nominating by the President and confirming by the Senate are the mechanisms for selection, but once in office, judges cannot be easily removed except through impeachment for serious misconduct, and their salaries are protected. This combination further supports independence from political pressure.

Frequent reappointment would drag judges back into political bargaining; tying tenure to the President’s term would create ongoing dependence on the appointing party; and electing judges would make court decisions heavily shaped by political campaigns.