Final answer:
The appointment of women and minorities by Presidents Bush and Clinton had a transformative effect on the diversity and operation of government leadership, affecting policies and raising public awareness of key social issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appointments made by President Bush in naming Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court, and President Clinton's decision to appoint women and minorities to federal government positions, were significant steps toward diversification of government leadership. President Bush's appointment of Thomas, an African-American conservative, was initially seen as a prudent move to balance interests. However, it stirred substantial controversy due to the sexual harassment allegations by Anita Hill, ultimately putting the spotlight on issues of sexual harassment in the workplace. Clinton, on the other hand, ensured greater diversity by appointing more women and minorities, such as Madeleine Albright as Secretary of State and Janet Reno as Attorney General. These appointments not only represented a demographic shift but also influenced government policy and public discourse on matters related to antipoverty programs and health care coverage.