Category: American Government
Supreme Court justices serve for life to be independent of politics and to limit outside political influence.
If justices had to run for re-election or worry about being fired, they might make decisions based on what's popular rather than what's constitutional. Lifetime appointments free them from political pressure.
This independence is a key part of checks and balances — the courts can rule against the President or Congress without fear of retaliation, because their jobs are secure.
Say: 'To be independent of politics' or 'to limit outside influence.'
Test yourself with our free quiz simulator and interactive flashcards — the same official questions, timed like the real interview.