What is the Missouri Plan?

The Missouri Plan is a method for selecting judges that combines appointment and election, which is a significant aspect of judicial reform aimed at ensuring both qualifications and accountability in the judiciary. Under this plan, judges are first appointed by the governor from a list of qualified candidates provided by a nonpartisan commission. After serving for a specified term, these judges must then stand for retention election, allowing voters to decide whether they remain in office.

This hybrid approach seeks to minimize political influence in the selection of judges while also providing a mechanism for public accountability through elections. The Missouri Plan has been adopted by several states as a way to balance the need for an independent judiciary with the principle of democratic accountability, where citizens have a direct say in the continuation of their judges' service.

In contrast, the other options relate to different processes or goals within the state's governance structure: electing members of the General Assembly pertains to legislative roles, appointing executive officials generally refers to the selection of individuals for state administrative positions, and evaluating judicial performance focuses on assessing how judges carry out their duties. Each of these serves distinct functions within government operations, distinguishing them from the specific role of the Missouri Plan in judicial selection.