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.

Question

—Thomas Jefferson, Letter to William Charles Jarvis, Sept. 28, 1820
Question
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 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 by the fact that judges were not elected.
He was concerned by the fact that judges were not elected.

He was concerned that judges could be easily influenced by political parties.
He was concerned that judges could be easily influenced by political parties.

He was concerned that the decision set a dangerous precedent for cases heard by the Supreme

Answer 1

Jefferson's greatest concern, as expressed in the excerpt, was that judges could be influenced by their passions for party, power, and privilege, especially since they hold office for life and are not subject to electoral control. Therefore, the most accurate response would be:

He was concerned that the decision gave the Supreme Court too much authority.