The need for an independent judiciary in South Africa's new Constitution was linked to which historical fear?

Correct answer: That the government might again enforce unjust discriminatory laws

Direct answer: A is correct. An independent judiciary is needed when citizens must be protected from unlawful or abusive government action. South Africa's apartheid history showed that the state could create and enforce discriminatory rules that violated equality and dignity. In a new constitutional democracy, courts needed enough independence to examine government action, interpret the Constitution and provide remedies when rights were threatened. A expresses the historical fear that unjust discrimination might return through state power. B, C and D are unrelated to the purpose of judicial independence. Education, peaceful elections and participation in sports do not explain why courts must be protected from political pressure. The key distinction is between government having power and government being legally limited. Memory cue: an independent judiciary guards the Constitution when the government itself may be the source of danger.