In October of 2018, The Senate held confirmation hearings for a new Supreme Court Justice, Brett Kavanaugh. With Brett Kavanaugh on the bench, the Supreme Court would have a conservative majority for the first time in decades. At the time, Donald Trump was President of the United States and the Senate was controlled by a Republican majority, but the confirmation hearings were full of conflict and two Republican Senators refused to vote in favor of his confirmation. Ultimately, Brett Kavanaugh was confirmed with a vote of 50-48, receiving the fewest votes for confirmation of any Supreme Court Justice since the Senate has contained 100 Senators.

A. Referencing the scenario, describe the constitutional process required for Kavanaugh to become a Supreme Court Justice and explain how this process demonstrates the principle of checks and balances.

B. In the context of the scenario, explain why the nomination of a Supreme Court Justice creates conflict with Congress.

C. In the context of the scenario, explain how the makeup of the Senate affected President Trump’s choice of Brett Kavanaugh for Supreme Court Justice.