Final answer:
Supreme Court hearings are contentious due to political influence, public perception, and the role of checks and balances. Protests and partisan questioning can arise as a result.
Step-by-step explanation:
The contentious nature of Supreme Court hearings, with protests and partisan questioning, can be attributed to several factors:
- Political Influence: Supreme Court nominations and confirmations are highly political processes, as they can shape the direction of the Court and impact various political agendas. Interest groups and politicians often try to influence the outcome by staging protests, voicing their concerns, and engaging in partisan questioning.
- Public Perception: The Supreme Court's decisions can have far-reaching implications for society. When controversial cases are heard, the media covers them extensively and raises public awareness. This increased visibility can lead to protests and heightened partisanship during the hearings.
- Checks and Balances: The Supreme Court serves as a check on the other branches of government. As such, members of Congress may use nomination and confirmation hearings as opportunities to express their concerns, challenge the nominees' perspectives, and ensure a balance of power.