How does someone become a member of the Supreme Court?

(1 point)
Responses

by popular election and Senate approval
by popular election and Senate approval

by judicial appointment and presidential approval
by judicial appointment and presidential approval

by presidential appointment and Senate approval
by presidential appointment and Senate approval

by senatorial appointment and judicial approval

by presidential appointment and Senate approval

To become a member of the Supreme Court, the process involves:

1. Nomination: The first step is for the President of the United States to nominate an individual for the Supreme Court vacancy. The President typically selects a nominee who aligns with their own political views.

2. Senate Judiciary Committee: The nominee then goes through a confirmation hearing conducted by the Senate Judiciary Committee. During the hearing, the nominee's qualifications, legal experience, and judicial philosophy are evaluated by the committee members.

3. Senate Vote: After the confirmation hearing, the Senate votes on whether to confirm the nominee. A simple majority is required for confirmation. If confirmed, the nominee becomes a member of the Supreme Court.

Therefore, option 3, "by presidential appointment and Senate approval," is the correct response.

To become a member of the Supreme Court, an individual is appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate.

Here's the breakdown of the process:

1. Presidential Nomination: The first step is for the President to select a nominee for the Supreme Court vacancy. This nomination is typically made when a current justice retires, resigns, or passes away.

2. Senate Confirmation: Once the President has made their nomination, the Senate Judiciary Committee holds hearings to evaluate the nominee's qualifications and suitability for the position. The nominee must go through a rigorous vetting process, including background checks and interviews. During the hearings, the committee examines the nominee's legal background, previous rulings, and overall judicial philosophy.

3. Senate Vote: After the completion of the hearings, the Senate Judiciary Committee holds a vote to decide whether to recommend the nomination to the full Senate. If the committee approves the nomination, it is then brought to the Senate floor for a vote by the entire Senate.

4. Senate Approval: The full Senate then votes on the nominee. A simple majority vote is required for confirmation. If the nominee receives the majority of votes in favor, they are confirmed as a member of the Supreme Court.

It is important to note that the process differs from the other options you mentioned. The Justices of the Supreme Court are not elected by popular vote or appointed by senators or other judicial bodies. It is the President who has the authority to nominate, and it is the Senate's responsibility to confirm or reject the President's nominee.