State Courts and Judicial Elections Overview

Practice flashcards covering key concepts related to state courts, judicial elections, and government policies.

California Supreme Court

One of the larger and distinctively designed state Supreme Courts in the US.

Election Day

Typically occurs on the first Tuesday in November, with various elections like gubernatorial and local contests.

Gubernatorial Elections

Elections held for the position of state governor.

Landslide Election

A victory in an election where the winner receives a significantly higher percentage of votes than their opponents.

Democratic State

A state that historically supports Democratic candidates, often resulting in consistent election victories for Democrats.

Merit Selection

A method of judicial selection where a commission selects judges based on qualifications rather than political affiliation.

Judicial Nominating Commission

A group that recommends candidates for judicial vacancies, often composed of lawyers, judges, and laypeople.

Retention Election

An election in which voters decide whether to keep or remove an appointed judge from office.

Nonpartisan Elections

Elections where candidates are not formally affiliated with a political party on the ballot.

Partisan Elections

Elections where candidates are affiliated with a political party, identified by party labels on the ballot.

Citizens United v. FEC

A landmark Supreme Court case that allowed unlimited independent spending in political campaigns.

Diversity in the Judiciary

The representation of various demographic groups among judges, reflecting the population they serve.

Constitutional Amendments

Changes proposed and ratified to a state's constitution, often dealing with key policy areas like taxes or rights.

Judicial Accountability

The principle that judges should be answerable to the public for their decisions and conduct.

Judicial Independence

The idea that judges should be free from external pressures, including political influences, in their decision-making.

Election Cycle

The period leading up to an election, during which campaigns are conducted.

Litigious Population

A society characterized by frequent legal disputes and court cases.