Independent Judiciaries
William Gray
7 min read
Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers independent judiciaries and their role in checking government power. It examines the degree of judicial independence in six countries: UK, Russia, Iran, Mexico, China, and Nigeria. Key factors for assessing judicial independence are discussed, including authority to overrule, appointment process, length of terms, professional background, and removal process. The guide also recaps Unit 2 on political institutions and provides final exam focus areas like checks and balances and rule of law, along with practice questions and exam tips.
#AP Comparative Government: Independent Judiciaries - Your Ultimate Study Guide ⚖️
Hey there, future AP Gov rockstar! Let's get you prepped and confident for the exam with this super-focused study guide on independent judiciaries. We're going to break down everything you need to know, make it stick, and get you ready to ace it!
#2.9 Independent Judiciaries: Why They Matter
#What You Need to Know
The big picture: Understand how independent judiciaries act as a check on other branches of government. This is HUGE for maintaining democracy and preventing tyranny!
#Comparing Judicial Independence Across Countries
Here's a quick rundown of judicial independence in our six core countries. Remember, this is all about context!
| Country | Degree of Independence | Explanation/Example |
|---|---|---|
| UK 🇬🇧 | No true independence | Parliamentary sovereignty means the judiciary can't strike down laws. They can only point out issues with common law or precedent. |
| Russia 🇷🇺 | No true independence | President and United Russia control judicial appointments. Courts are often used to target the opposition, undermining their legitimacy. |
| Iran 🇮🇷 | No true independence | Supreme Leader appoints judges. Sharia law is the ultimate legal authority, not the constitution. This leads to unequal treatment and human rights issues. |
| Mexico 🇲🇽 | Transitioning towards independence | Judicial review exists, and reforms are ongoing. However, corruption and fear of cartels impact legitimacy. |
| China 🇨🇳 | No true independence | The CCP controls the judiciary, which enforces party decisions. The 99.3% conviction rate shows a lack of civil liberty protection. |
| Nigeria 🇳🇬 | Transitioning toward independence | Judicial review exists, but political interference (like the 2019 suspension of the chief justice) shows ongoing challenges. Military influence in the past also affects legitimacy. |
#Assess...
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