Final answer:
The constitutional provision that federal judges and justices serve "during good behavior" means they have lifetime appointments, ensuring judicial independence from political influence and enabling them to interpret the law free from external pressures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The constitutional provision that federal judges and justices hold office "during good behavior" has significant implications for the independence and integrity of the United States judiciary. According to Article III of the U.S. Constitution, this provision means that federal judges and justices can serve for life, provided they do not commit impeachable offenses or misconduct. This lifetime appointment is designed to protect the judiciary from political pressure and influence, allowing judges to rule on cases based on the law and the Constitution rather than the political climate or the desires of the other branches of government.
To further enforce this principle of judicial independence, the Constitution ensures that their compensation cannot be diminished during their tenure. This independence was evident during the contentious nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, which highlighted the importance of a judiciary resistant to partisan influences. The United States courts play a crucial role in maintaining the checks and balances within the government, protecting individual rights, and upholding the Constitution against breaches by the other branches.