Final answer:
The first step in the process of someone becoming a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court is a Presidential nomination, followed by a Senate confirmation based on a majority vote. This process includes a thorough review, discussions, and sometimes politically charged debates in the Senate Judiciary Committee. So, the correct answer is option a.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step in the process of someone becoming a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court is Presidential nomination. The process begins when the President selects a nominee, often choosing from a list of candidates that may include suggestions from the American Bar Association or other advisory groups. Once a nominee is selected, the Senate plays a crucial role in the confirmation process.
The nominee is then subjected to a thorough review, which includes a background check and discussions within the Senate Judiciary Committee. Following these reviews, the nominee must be confirmed by a majority vote of the full Senate. This is by Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution, which outlines the President's power to nominate justices, who must then be confirmed by the Senate.
If the Senate confirms the nomination, the individual is sworn in, taking an oath to uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States. Throughout history, some nominations, like President Obama's appointment of Judge Merrick Garland, have been notably obstructed or rejected by the Senate, highlighting the political nature of the confirmation process. Nevertheless, a confirmed nominee serves a lifetime appointment, leaving a lasting influence of the President's choice on the legal system.