Political Institutions
Which social factor is most likely to strengthen public support for an independent judiciary?
Pervasive use of social media for political mobilization.
Broad-based education emphasizing civic engagement and rule of law.
High rates of participation in non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Homogeneity in religious beliefs throughout society.
How might a government's commitment to socialism influence the role and independence of its judiciary?
It may prioritize the protection of individual property rights over collective needs.
It could lead to strict adherence to originalism in constitutional interpretation.
It might encourage judicial restraint to minimize interference with market economies.
It may promote active judicial intervention in economic matters to enforce social ownership.
What distinguishes an independent judiciary from other branches of government?
Authority to declare war
Power to collect taxes
Autonomy in decision-making
Role in policy implementation
What qualifications do judiciary candidates need to have in China?
Only high scores on written and oral exams
Only a law degree
A law degree, high scores on written and oral exams, and 5 years of experience in their areas
No qualifications are needed at all
Which countryโs judiciary is bound by the decisions of the stateโs sole political party, resulting in a lack of protection for civil liberties and civil rights?
Mexico
Nigeria
United Kingdom
China
How do independent judiciaries affect transitional democratic states?
Pushing for immediate judiciary-led political reforms to avoid widespread public support
Increasing executive power to hasten economic reforms necessary for democratic stabilization
Ignoring constitutional limits to speed up economic development that coincides with democratic ideals
Protecting minority rights and ensuring due process during critical periods of governmental change
In an increasingly interconnected world, what could be an unexpected consequence for independent judiciaries when a powerful state promotes its legal norms globally?
Expansion of judicial capacity via access to wider pools of jurisprudential resources.
Increased effectiveness in combating transnational crime due to norm standardization.
Erosion of judicial independence through adoption of foreign legal precedents without critical evaluation.
Enhanced credibility by association with globally recognized judicial principles.

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Who usually nominates judges within countries that maintain separate branches of government including an independent Judiciary?
Military officials
Foreign diplomats
News media executives
Executive branch leaders (e.g. presidents)
What effect does a high level of economic inequality within a country typically have on perceptions of an independent judiciary?
Increased trust in judicial processes to address disparities.
Satisfaction with the status quo among lower-income groups.
Unanimous support for judicial reforms across all economic classes.
Belief that justice favors the wealthy and powerful.
Why are "lifetime appointments" for judges important in maintaining an independent judiciary?
They ensure rapid turnover in judicial personnel.
They provide job security for elected officials.
They allow for consistent application of party policies.
They protect judges from political pressures.