Question 50

Congress may impeach judges.

One of the constitutional checks on the federal judiciary is that Congress may impeach judges. This process allows Congress to remove judges from their positions if they are found guilty of misconduct or other serious offenses.

A) Congress may reduce judges’ salaries.

This option is incorrect because while Congress does have the power to set salaries for federal judges, it cannot reduce them during a judge's term in office. This provision is intended to protect judicial independence and is not a check on the judiciary.

B) The president may fire judges.

This option is also incorrect as judges are appointed for life and can only be removed through impeachment by Congress. The president does not have the authority to unilaterally remove judges from their positions.

C) Judges must have a law degree.

This statement is incorrect as it does not represent a constitutional check on the judiciary. While it is generally expected that judges have legal training, there is no constitutional requirement mandating that judges must possess a law degree.

D) Congress may impeach judges.

This option is correct because the impeachment process serves as a crucial check on the federal judiciary, allowing Congress to hold judges accountable for misconduct or failure to perform their duties effectively.

E) Judges have life tenure.

This option is incorrect as it describes a feature of the judiciary rather than a check on it. Life tenure is intended to ensure judicial independence, but it does not serve as a mechanism for Congress or the executive branch to exert control over the judiciary.

Conclusion

The correct answer, Congress may impeach judges, highlights a significant check on judicial power that ensures accountability within the federal judiciary. The other options fail to represent constitutional checks, focusing instead on salary provisions, removal authority, or qualifications that do not align with the checks and balances system established by the Constitution.