The Judicial Branch
Senators, represenatives and the President are elected by the people. The Judicial branch is different! The members of the Judicial Branch are appointed by the President and confirmed or approved by the Senate. Interestingly, the number of Supreme Court Justices is left to Congress - at times there have been as few as six, while the current number nine has been in place since 1869. Supreme Court Justices have their position for life! (Or until they retire, but there is no term limit). So the Supreme Court is currently made up of 9 justices and can serve for life.
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land and enjoys the sole power to interpret the law, and determine the constitutionality of the law, and apply it to individual cases. In order to become a Justice, you need to be nominated by the President and approved by the Senate. This is an example of checks and balances.
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land and enjoys the sole power to interpret the law, and determine the constitutionality of the law, and apply it to individual cases. In order to become a Justice, you need to be nominated by the President and approved by the Senate. This is an example of checks and balances.
Why do Supreme Court Justices Serve for Life?
Supreme Court judges can only be removed through impeachment by the House of Representatives and conviction in the Senate. In addition they serve for life - they serve until their death, retirement, or conviction by the Senate. By design, this protects them from the temporary angers of the public, and allows them to apply the law with only the Constitution in mind, and not worry about making decisions in order to get reelected.
So basically justices should be appointed, rather than elected, because it allows our Justices the freedom to make unpopular decisions. In addition, our Founders wanted Supreme Court Justices to keep their positions for life so that there would be no fear of losing their job or making decisions just so they would be re-elected.
So basically justices should be appointed, rather than elected, because it allows our Justices the freedom to make unpopular decisions. In addition, our Founders wanted Supreme Court Justices to keep their positions for life so that there would be no fear of losing their job or making decisions just so they would be re-elected.