AP U.S. Government and Politics Flashcards: The Court in Action
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is the main argument in favor of life tenure for Supreme Court justices?
The main argument is that it ensures the court can make legally correct but potentially unpopular decisions without being influenced by the current political climate.
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What is the main argument in favor of life tenure for Supreme Court justices?
The main argument is that it ensures the court can make legally correct but potentially unpopular decisions without being influenced by the current political climate.
Explain the link between life tenure and debates about the Supreme Court's power.
Life tenure grants independence, which allows for controversial decisions; these decisions in turn spark debate about the court's power.
A justice appointed 30 years ago by a president from a different party makes a ruling against a popular current policy. What principle allows for this?
The principle of life tenure allows the justice to make decisions independent of the current political climate and public opinion.
How does judicial independence, granted by life tenure, affect the types of decisions the Supreme Court can make?
As a result of this independence, the Court can deliver controversial or unpopular court decisions without fear of political backlash.
If a Supreme Court ruling is met with widespread public disapproval, why don't the justices face immediate consequences like being voted out of office?
Justices have life tenure, which means they are not elected and serve for life, making them independent of public opinion and the political climate.
What is the primary function of life tenure for Supreme Court justices?
Life tenure for justices allows the court to function independently of the current political climate, insulating them from political pressure.
What is the direct consequence of the Supreme Court handing down a controversial or unpopular ruling?
Such decisions can lead to significant public and political debate about the Supreme Court's power and legitimacy.
Judicial Independence
This is the concept that the judiciary should be independent from the other branches of government, which is supported in the Supreme Court by life tenure.
What is the primary criticism of life tenure that can be inferred from the text?
A primary criticism is that it can lead to a court that is unaccountable and whose power is debated when it makes controversial decisions.
Controversial Court Decisions
These are rulings made by the Supreme Court that are unpopular or spark public debate, often made possible by the independence granted by life tenure.