Appointments to the Supreme Court must be approved by which body?

• A. The Senate
• B. The House of Representatives
• C. The President
• D. The Supreme Court

Answer: (A)

Appointments to the Supreme Court require the Senate's advice and consent. The President has the power to nominate a candidate, but that nomination must be approved by the Senate before the person can become a justice. The Senate reviews the nominee, often holding hearings and then voting to confirm or reject. This is a check and balance that prevents the President from unilaterally filling the Court and ensures the nominee is evaluated by another branch. The House of Representatives does not participate in this process, and the Supreme Court cannot approve its own members. If the Senate confirms the nominee, the justice can take the seat; if not, the President must nominate someone else. Today, confirmation usually requires a simple majority vote in the Senate.