<P> The Missouri Plan (originally the Missouri Nonpartisan Court Plan, also known as the merit plan, or some variation) is a method for the selection of judges . It originated in Missouri in 1940 and has been adopted by several states of the United States . Similar methods are used in some other countries . </P> <P> Under the Plan, a non-partisan commission reviews candidates for a judicial vacancy . The commission then sends to the governor a list of candidates considered best qualified . The governor then has sixty days to select a candidate from the list . If the governor does not make a selection within sixty days, the commission makes the selection . </P> <P> At the general election soonest after the completion of one year's service, the judge must stand in a retention election . If a majority votes against retention, the judge is removed from office, and the process starts anew . If the majority votes in favor of retention, the judge serves out a full term . </P> <P> Under the Missouri Nonpartisan Court Plan, a nonpartisan judicial commission reviews applications, interviews candidates and selects a judicial panel . For the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, the Appellate Judicial Commission makes the selection . It is composed of three lawyers elected by members of the Missouri Bar (the organization of all lawyers licensed in this state), three citizens selected by the governor, and the chief justice, who serves as chair . Each of the three geographic districts of the Court of Appeals must be represented by one lawyer and one citizen member on the Appellate Judicial Commission . </P>

Explain the use of the missouri plan in the selection of judges