Aim for FiveComparative Government

Conceptual analysis

Judicial independence

  • Unit 2
  • 4 points
  • About 10 minutes

You define or describe a political concept, then explain or compare how it works in political systems, institutions, policies or behavior. There are no sources and no required country. On the exam: Question 1 of 4 in the free-response section (1 hour 30 minutes for all four, 50% of your score; this question is 11%).

The question

Answer parts A, B, C, and D. There are no sources for this question. Recent change to keep in mind (as of October 2026): a 2024 constitutional reform in Mexico replaced Senate-confirmed Supreme Court appointments with popular election of judges; the first judicial election was held on 1 June 2025, and a 2026 amendment moved the next one to June 2028.

Suggested time: 10 minutes

Your answers are saved in this browser as you type.

Something wrong with this question?

What's wrong?

Please don't include personal details.

Part (a)

1 point

Define judicial independence.

0 / 2,500 characters

Part (b)

1 point

Describe one way the method of selecting or removing judges can affect judicial independence.

0 / 2,500 characters

Part (c)

1 point

Explain why an authoritarian regime might limit the independence of its courts.

0 / 2,500 characters

Part (d)

1 point

Explain how an independent judiciary can strengthen the legitimacy of a democratic regime.

0 / 2,500 characters

Checking scoring…

Scoring it yourself shows you the rubric, examples and a model answer. Try writing your answer first.