In contrast to federal judges, most state judges are:

Most state judges are elected, which reflects the general principle of popular sovereignty in state judicial systems. This means that the judges are chosen directly by the voters in their respective states, allowing the public to have a say in who interprets and applies the law. This electoral process is intended to enhance accountability, as the judges must maintain the confidence of the electorate to remain in their positions.

In contrast, federal judges are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, which is a process designed to ensure that an independent judiciary can operate without undue influence from popular opinion or political pressures. The differences in the selection processes for state and federal judges highlight the diverse approaches to judicial appointments across various levels of government and the intention behind each system.