1. 7-2: Selection of Judges

2. Big Idea: Constitutionalism
Enduring Understanding:
The design of the judicial branch protects the Supreme Court’s independence as a branch of government, and the emergence and use of judicial review remains a powerful judicial practice.
Learning Objective:
Explain how other branches in the government can limit the Supreme Court’s power.

3. Selection of Judges Lower Courts Supreme Court
All federal judges appointed by president and confirmed by Senate majority vote
Senatorial courtesy
Supreme Court
Factors
Expected to share president’s ideology
Litmus test
Race, ethnicity, and gender also considered
Confirmation
Background checks (FBI and ABA)
Role of interest groups
Senate Judiciary Committee
Role of divided government