...
public class TabbedPane {
    private int index
    private static final int JEFFERSON_INDEX = 0;
    private static final int ROOSEVELT_INDEX = 1;
    private static final int LINCOLN_INDEX = 2;
    private static final int WASHINGTON_INDEX = 3;

    // action listeners that set the current tab
    public void jeffersonAction(ActionEvent e) { index = JEFFERSON_INDEX; }
    public void rooseveltAction(ActionEvent e) { index = ROOSEVELT_INDEX; }
    public void lincolnAction(ActionEvent e) { index = LINCOLN_INDEX; }
    public void washingtonAction(ActionEvent e) { index = WASHINGTON_INDEX; }
    ...
}