Use the excerpt to answer the question that follows: Our judges are as honest as other men, and not more so. They have, with others, the same passions for party, for power, and the privilege of their corps [group of people]. . . . and their power the more dangerous as they are in office for life, and not responsible, as the other functionaries are, to the elective control. —Thomas Jefferson, Letter to William Charles Jarvis, Sept. 28, 1820 This excerpt comes from a letter Jefferson wrote in response to the Supreme Court’s decision on Marbury v. Madison. What was Jefferson’s greatest concern? (1 point) Responses He was concerned by the fact that judges were not elected. He was concerned by the fact that judges were not elected. He was concerned that the decision set a dangerous precedent for cases heard by the Supreme Court. He was concerned that the decision set a dangerous precedent for cases heard by the Supreme Court. He was concerned that the decision gave the Supreme Court too much authority. He was concerned that the decision gave the Supreme Court too much authority. He was concerned that judges could be easily influenced by political parties.
1 answer
Jefferson’s greatest concern, as expressed in the excerpt, was that judges were not elected. He emphasizes that judges, like all men, have passions for party and power, which he believes makes their power more dangerous, particularly given their lifetime appointments and lack of accountability to the electorate. Therefore, the correct response is:
He was concerned by the fact that judges were not elected.
