How does someone become a member of the Supreme Court?
(1 point)
Oby popular election and Senate approval
by judicial appointment and presidential 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 presidential appointment and Senate approval. Specifically, the steps are as follows:
1. Nomination: The President of the United States nominates a candidate for the vacant Supreme Court position. This is usually done when a current justice retires, resigns, or passes away.
2. Senate Judiciary Committee: The nominee appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee, where they undergo a thorough review and questioning. The committee investigates the nominee's qualifications, legal background, and any potential conflicts of interest.
3. Senate Confirmation Hearings: Following the committee's review, the nominee's confirmation hearings are held in front of the full Senate. During these hearings, senators have the opportunity to question the nominee on their judicial philosophy, legal competence, and temperament.
4. Senate Confirmation Vote: After the confirmation hearings, the full Senate votes on whether to confirm or reject the nominee. A simple majority vote is required for confirmation.
5. Presidential Approval: If the nominee receives a majority vote in the Senate, the President then formally appoints them to the Supreme Court. The appointed individual becomes a member of the Supreme Court upon taking the judicial oath of office.
Therefore, the correct answer is "by presidential appointment and Senate approval."