Which article of the Constitution governs life tenure for Article III judges?

Which article of the Constitution governs life tenure for Article III judges?

• A. Article II
• B. Article III
• C. Article IV
• D. Article I

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is how the Constitution protects the independence of federal judges. Article III establishes that judges shall hold their offices during good behavior, which effectively means life tenure under normal circumstances. This long tenure helps judges decide cases free from political pressures, without fearing reappointment or election losses. Article III also provides that their salaries cannot be diminished while they serve, further safeguarding independence. The mechanism for removing judges—impeachment and conviction—comes from the impeachment process described in Article II, so while tenure is for life, it is not absolute: judges can be removed for misconduct through the impeachment process. The other articles govern different branches and functions: one article covers the presidency and executive power, another handles Congress, and another addresses relations between states. None of those establish the lifetime tenure for Article III judges, making this article the one that directly governs that aspect of the judiciary.

The idea being tested is how the Constitution protects the independence of federal judges. Article III establishes that judges shall hold their offices during good behavior, which effectively means life tenure under normal circumstances. This long tenure helps judges decide cases free from political pressures, without fearing reappointment or election losses.

Article III also provides that their salaries cannot be diminished while they serve, further safeguarding independence. The mechanism for removing judges—impeachment and conviction—comes from the impeachment process described in Article II, so while tenure is for life, it is not absolute: judges can be removed for misconduct through the impeachment process.

The other articles govern different branches and functions: one article covers the presidency and executive power, another handles Congress, and another addresses relations between states. None of those establish the lifetime tenure for Article III judges, making this article the one that directly governs that aspect of the judiciary.