Excerpt 1 from William H. Prescott’s History of the Conquest of Mexico, 1843 The legislative power, both in Mexico and Tezcuco, resided wholly with the monarch. This feature of despotism, however, was in some measure counteracted by the constitution of the judicial tribunals—of more importance, among a rude people, than the legislative, since it is easier to make good laws for such a community than to enforce them, and the best laws, badly administered, are but a mockery. Over each of the principal cities, with its dependent territories, was placed a supreme judge, appointed by the crown, with original and final jurisdiction in both civil and criminal cases. There was no appeal from his sentence to any other tribunal, nor even to the king. He held his office during life; and any one who usurped his ensigns was punished with death. Question Use the excerpt from William H. Prescott’s History of the Conquest of Mexico to answer the question. In what way could the pre-Columbian king of Mexico exercise influence over the decisions of the judicial tribunal? (1 point) Responses He could overturn criminal cases decided by the tribunal. He could overturn criminal cases decided by the tribunal. He could appoint a supreme judge that would carry out his wishes. He could appoint a supreme judge that would carry out his wishes. He could make the final determination on civil cases heard by the tribunal. He could make the final determination on civil cases heard by the tribunal. He could punish tribunal judges with death for making inappropriate judgments.

Answer 1

The correct response is: He could appoint a supreme judge that would carry out his wishes.

In the excerpt, it mentions that the judges were appointed by the crown (the king), indicating that the king had influence over the judicial tribunal by selecting judges who may align with his interests or make decisions favorable to him.