Which body approves federal judicial nominations?

Which body approves federal judicial nominations?

• A. The Senate
• B. The President
• C. The Supreme Court
• D. States must approve

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is the two-step process for appointing federal judges: the President nominates, and the Senate approves. The Constitution gives the Senate the “advice and consent” role, so nominees must be considered and voted on by the Senate before taking a federal judgeship, including Supreme Court justices. The Senate conducts hearings, questions nominees, and then votes to confirm or reject. The Supreme Court itself does not approve nominees, and states have no role in approving federal judicial appointments. So the body that approves federal judicial nominations is the Senate.

The main idea here is the two-step process for appointing federal judges: the President nominates, and the Senate approves. The Constitution gives the Senate the “advice and consent” role, so nominees must be considered and voted on by the Senate before taking a federal judgeship, including Supreme Court justices. The Senate conducts hearings, questions nominees, and then votes to confirm or reject. The Supreme Court itself does not approve nominees, and states have no role in approving federal judicial appointments. So the body that approves federal judicial nominations is the Senate.