1.  starter activity What are the main challenges facing America at the moment, e.g. domestic politics, economy, foreign policy. If a vacancy for a Supreme Court justice came up tomorrow, what would the ideal candidate be like?

2. Qualities of the ideal SC Justice:

3. How are justices appointed? TBAT explain & evaluate the appointments process  Learning objectives  Key words: ABA ratings Senate Judiciary Committee

4. Back row (left to right): Sonia Sotomayor, Stephen G. Breyer, Samuel A. Alito, Elena Kagan. Front row Clarence Thomas, Antonin Scalia, Chief Justice John G Roberts, Anthony Kennedy, Ruth Bader Ginsburg Roberts Court: 2005-

5.  Your task Complete the chart you are given on the 4 stage process of appointing a new justice. Use pp.294-9 in Bennett Explain the strengths of the system  Identify any possible criticisms

6.  Your task Work in groups of 3. Write a synopsis of the nomination process of one of the following, before passing your synopsis onto your team members: Work in groups of 3. Write a synopsis of the nomination process of one of the following, before passing your synopsis onto your team members: John Roberts John Roberts Harriet Miers Harriet Miers Samuel Alito Samuel Alito Other justices? Other justices?  Top tips – identify the key facts you wish to include: names, dates, people, places and things and then try to develop your points into concise sentences Your synopsis must not be 50% shorter than the original text!

7.  Extension task Read this article on the Guardian website about the appointment of UK supreme court justices. What are the similarities and differences between the US and UK systems? Read this article on the Guardian website about the appointment of UK supreme court justices. What are the similarities and differences between the US and UK systems? Guardian website Guardian website

8.  Your task Read Bennett p.302-304 and make a note of the key criticisms of the appointments process. Read Bennett p.302-304 and make a note of the key criticisms of the appointments process.  What are its strengths?  What are its strengths?

9. This House believes that the appointments system in the US is in dire need of reform.

10.  Homework Essay: ‘Examine the process for selecting Supreme Court judges in the USA’ 10 marks / 1 side A4 minimum Essay: ‘Examine the process for selecting Supreme Court judges in the USA’ 10 marks / 1 side A4 minimum How can I improve my scores with Part A questions?

11. How are justices appointed? TBAT explain & evaluate the appointments process  Learning objectives  Key words: ABA ratings Senate Judiciary Committee Plenary