Political Institutions
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
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.
Which country’s judiciary is bound by the decisions of the state’s sole political party, resulting in a lack of protection for civil liberties and civil rights?
Mexico
Nigeria
United Kingdom
China
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
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.
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.
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

How are we doing?
Give us your feedback and let us know how we can improve
Which outcome illustrates a potential paradox stemming from strong judicial independence within illiberal democracies?
Courts upholding restrictions that limit other forms of democratic accountability mechanisms.
Enhancing minority protection by striking down discriminatory legislative enactments.
Decreasing levels of corruption due to rigorous investigations into government misconduct.
Increasing governmental transparency through consistent enforcement of freedom-of-information laws.
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)
Which country’s judiciary is appointed by the Supreme Leader and operates under Sharia law?
Iran
United Kingdom
China
Nigeria