Why do you think Supreme Court justices and other federal judges are appointed by the president (with the Senate's approval) rather than elected by the people?
2006-11-21 14:17:09 · 5 answers · asked by humanitarian 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
Greg's answer is a good one. :)
I would also add that since judges are put into place by the president and the legislature, they are (unlike politicians) not beholden to special interest groups or lobbyists, and they are not dependant on the people for their job. Because they are free of restrictions, they can uphold the constitution and rule of law without worrying for the safety of their jobs. This helps to further assure "liberty and justice for all".
BTW, the president and legislature only put into place SUPREME COURT justices... Lower courts ARE sometimes elected by the people, depending on the state in which you live.
2006-11-21 14:29:56 · answer #1 · answered by Firestorm 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the Constitution was written, the Founders did not trust the people to make these decisions. That is why we have the Electoral College and why senators were chosen by state legislatures. Now Senators are chosen by the public after the ratification of the 17th amendment. The idea was to have the president appoint judges and have the Senate ratify them so that they could be "above" politics and do what they felt was right with the Constitution, not what the public may feel that they should do. The Founders of the Constitution wanted judges to make decisions that were in line with the Constitution and not popular opinion.
2006-11-21 14:25:37 · answer #2 · answered by gregw581 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because ... A) our Founding Fathers never contemplated the entire nation holding elections. Presidential and congressional elections are held in each state, not on a nationwide level. And ... B) our FFs wanted for the judges to be insulated from political pressure thus ensuring that the judges would render their decisions with impartiality. This would be especially important in terms of protecting the rights of person accused of crimes. This point is, though, merely a mixed blessing at best.
2006-11-21 14:27:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because we would be in the polling booth every 10 minutes.
The Pres, as well as the Senate are supposed to be representing the viewpoints of the people they are representing. So (in theory) there should be no need for a public vote, right?
Besides, you want to go through all of the political ads each time a justice post opens up? I sure don't. . .
2006-11-21 14:25:26 · answer #4 · answered by volleyballchick (cowards block) 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
in view that very ultimate court docket nominees are required to get Congressional help till now taking the appointment this is already a joint pastime between the president and the Congress.
2016-10-17 08:53:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋