Question

In early United States history, "midnight judge" refers specifically to A) judges who lacked qualifications for office. B) racist groups who terrorized minorities at night. C) political action committees who influenced local magistrates. D) judges appointed to serve based on their political affiliation.

Answer 1

Answer: D) judges appointed to serve based on their political affiliation.

Explanation: As he was leaving office, outgoing President John Adams, a Federalist, appointed like-minded judges to ensure the new president, Democratic-Republican Thomas Jefferson, would have to work with judges of the opposite political party. These judges were appointed to serve based on their political affiliation and eventually became the center of a political firestorm, leading to the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison.