Question

Which of the following statements regarding federal judges is true?

A. They are appointed for life.
B. They are appointed for a six-year term.
C. They are chosen by Congress.
D. They are chosen in a secret process.
E. They are elected by the people.

Answer 1

Federal judges are A. appointed for life, nominated by the President, and confirmed by the Senate to promote an independent judiciary free from political pressures.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the statements provided about federal judges, the correct one is that they are appointed for life. This lifetime tenure is designed to ensure that federal judges are free from undue political influence and can make decisions based on the law without fear of losing their positions. Federal judges are chosen in a process that begins with the President, who nominates a candidate. This nomination is then subject to confirmation by the United States Senate through a majority vote. The process emphasizes the importance of an independent judiciary. The lifetime appointment applies to all federal judges, including those on the Supreme Court, Courts of Appeals, and District Courts, except for special courts such as bankruptcy courts and immigration/naturalization courts.

Though nominated by the President, federal judges must be approved by the Senate. This system of checks and balances ensures that no single branch of government has unfettered power to appoint judges. This tradition has been in place since the early years of the United States, as established by the Constitution and practiced since the founding of the country's judicial system.