Question

The President nominates individuals to serve on the Supreme Court, as well as the other federal courts, but they must be confirmed by the Senate to assume the role as a federal judge. However, this process can be highly politicized, which has prevented certain supreme court nominees from being confirmed to the bench. From the article: how many nominees have been confirmed to the supreme court bench out of the total number nominated? Referring to both Robert Bork and Harriet Miers, what prevents them from being nominated? Explain how their nominations were opposed, either by the opposition or within their own political party.

a) 1; Lack of legal qualifications
b) 2; Lack of Senate approval
c) 3; Lack of public support
d) 4; Lack of presidential endorsement

Answer 1

While most Supreme Court nominees are confirmed, Robert Bork and Harriet Miers were not confirmed b. due to lack of Senate approval.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process of nominating and confirming justices to the Supreme Court can become highly politicized, impacting whether a nominee is confirmed. Out of the total number nominated, it's nearly always the case that the Senate confirms the president's nominees. However, opponents of a nomination may prevent confirmation for various reasons, such as lack of legal qualifications, lack of Senate approval, lack of public support, or lack of presidential endorsement.

Regarding Robert Bork and Harriet Miers, both failed to secure a place on the Supreme Court bench due to lack of Senate approval. Bork's nomination faced severe opposition due to his controversial views on civil rights and privacy laws, which led to a negative vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Miers withdrew her nomination after facing criticism from both Democrats and Republicans concerning her lack of judicial experience and perceived insufficient constitutional scholarship.

These examples highlight that confirmation is not guaranteed and factors such as legal qualifications, public support, and political endorsement can significantly influence the process, leading to the possible opposition of nominations within the nominee's own political party or from the opposition.