Question

In early United States history, "midnight judge" refers specifically to

Answer 1

The “midnight judges” were selected by President John Adams, who signed appointments up until midnight on his last day in office.

Answer 2

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

Step-by-step explanation:

The Judiciary Act of 1801 was signed by John Adams in the last days of his presidency (1797–1801) and was meant to reorganize the federal judiciary by establishing the first circuit judgeships in America.

Thomas Jefferson, the following president, saw the Judiciary Act as an effort by Adams to hold control of the judiciary by crowding it with federalist supporters, so the act was repealed in 1802.