Question

Which presidential appointment is the most contentious?

Answer 1

Supreme Court appointments are considered the most contentious presidential appointments, attracting significant media attention and political debate, particularly when nominees' ideologies or qualifications are questioned.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Supreme Court appointments are often considered the most contentious presidential appointments. For example, President Reagan's nominations of Robert Bork and Douglas Ginsburg caused controversy due to Bork's perceived extremist view of the Constitution and Ginsburg’s past marijuana use. Similarly, President George W. Bush faced criticism over Harriet Miers’ nomination, leading to its withdrawal. Later nominees, including Sotomayor, Kagan, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett, attracted significant attention from both traditional and social media, illustrating the contention around Supreme Court nominations.

Despite the contentious nature of judicial nominations, most presidential appointments are confirmed in a routine manner. However, when obstacles arise, they can stem from political opposition or serve as a broader protest against presidential policies. For example, the Senate blockade of nominees for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reflected dissent not over the nominees' qualifications but rather the bureau's existence.

Overall, while the vast majority of civilian and military appointments are confirmed without issue, Supreme Court appointments tend to engender the most heated battles, illustrating the intersection of law and politics that characterizes this aspect of the presidential appointment process.

Answer 2

Chief or Associate justice appointments to the Supreme Court of the United States.

Step-by-step explanation:

When it comes time for a president to appoint an associate or Chief Justice, there is a lot of discussion and debate surrounding it. This is because justices in the Supreme Court have a life tenure, meaning they can hold their office for their entire life.

It is very important who the president decides to appoint because justices are members of the highest court in the federal judiciary branch. They have the ultimate responsibility of interpreting and safeguarding the U.S. Constitution.