What is the process for appointing a Supreme Court justice or other federal judge?
Our Constitution grants the authority for appointing federal judges to the president, but also gives the Senate the duty to “advise and consent” to the appointment, as a check on the president’s power. First, the president nominates a qualified person for a judicial opening. Next, the Senate Judiciary Committee holds hearings on each nominee and then, if approved by a majority vote of the committee, the nomination goes to the full Senate. Sometimes, as in the case of Clarence Thomas and Robert Bork, the nominations end up going to the full Senate even though the committee voted down the nomination. If and when a nomination gets sent to the full Senate, it then debates the nomination and then, by majority vote (sometimes called an “up or down vote”), either approves or rejects the nomination. If approved, the nominee is then sworn in and takes his position on the court to which he was nominated. 3. What’s holding up the process on President Bush’s nominees? What is a “filibuster”? Answe
