Legal experts often refer to Congress and the presidency as the “political branches.” This phrase reflects a widely shared understanding that these two branches are expected to be — and indeed designed to be — inherently political. Their members are elected by voters, have fixed terms of office, must stand for reelection if they wish to remain in office, and are constantly attuned to the sways of public opinion.
The third branch of government — the judiciary — is different. At the federal level, its members are appointed for life, hold office “during good behavior,” and are supposed to be insulated from politics so they can decide cases based on the law and Constitution, not public opinion.
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