Argument essay
Should judges be elected?
- Units 1 and 2
- 5 points
- About 40 minutes
You take a position on a question, back it with specific evidence from one or more course countries tied to the concepts in the prompt, explain your reasoning, and respond to an opposing view. On the exam: Question 4 of 4 in the free-response section (1 hour 30 minutes for all four, 50% of your score; this question is 14%).
The question
Recent change to keep in mind (as of October 2026): under a 2024 constitutional reform, Mexico now elects its judges by popular vote. Its first judicial election, on 1 June 2025, had a turnout of about 13%, and the new nine-member Supreme Court took office on 1 September 2025. A 2026 constitutional amendment (published 2 June 2026) moved the next judicial election from 2027 to 4 June 2028 and added a knowledge exam for candidates.
Suggested time: 40 minutes
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The essay
5 pointsDevelop an argument about whether choosing judges by popular election strengthens or weakens judicial independence. Use one or more of the following course concepts in your response: • Judicial independence • Rule of law • Legitimacy In your response, do the following: • Respond to the prompt with a defensible claim or thesis that establishes a line of reasoning. • Support your claim with at least TWO pieces of specific and relevant evidence from one or more AP Comparative Government and Politics course countries (China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, United Kingdom). The evidence should be relevant to one or more of the course concepts listed above. • Use reasoning to explain why your evidence supports your claim or thesis. • Respond to an opposing or alternate perspective using refutation, concession, or rebuttal.
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