Question

Periodical appointments, however regulated, or by whomsoever made, would, in some way or other, be fatal to their necessary independence.
—Alexander Hamilton,
Federalist No. 78
Why does Hamilton think judges should be appointed permanently rather than on a periodic basis?
Responses

Permanent appointments allow for greater regulation but less independence.
Permanent appointments allow for greater regulation but less independence.

Periodic appointments are hard to regulate.
Periodic appointments are hard to regulate.

Periodic appointments would destroy a judge’s independence.
Periodic appointments would destroy a judge’s independence.

Periodic appointments promote a fatal independence.
Periodic appointments promote a fatal independence.

Answer 1

Periodic appointments would destroy a judge’s independence.

Hamilton argues that regular reappointment would make judges dependent on whoever controls appointments, undermining their necessary independence.