Final answer:
Public opinion surveys about Supreme Court nominations, such as Brett Kavanaugh's, reflect the fluctuating national sentiment on the Court's decisions and its appointed justices. The polarization of the nomination process can significantly impact these public perceptions, while the lifetime appointments of justices serve to maintain judicial independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Brett Kavanaugh was nominated to the Supreme Court, the survey mentioned likely intended to capture public opinion regarding his confirmation. Public opinion on the Supreme Court and its justices can shift significantly based on current events and rulings. For instance, major cases such as the Bush v. Gore ruling and decisions upholding aspects of the Affordable Care Act have influenced public approval ratings. These events can cause fluctuations in approval, reflecting the court's impact on highly visible cases that capture the nation's attention. Moreover, the survey's result could have been influenced by the political environment surrounding Kavanaugh's nomination, which became intensely partisan, as well as the general historical trends in public opinion towards the Supreme Court. It's also important to acknowledge the principles of the judicial system, such as a non-elected and non-political judiciary, to understand the reasoning behind lifetime appointments aimed to protect the integrity and independence of the court.