Nominations and Checks and Balances
In explaining a proposed injunction to halt the vote on Judge Kavanaugh, Oregon Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley took to the Senate floor to explain the Constitutional basis for the President's power to nominate judges and executive branch officials. He spoke about the Senate's role in the process its relation to the concept of separation of power and checks and balances.
Description
In explaining a proposed injunction to halt the vote on Judge Kavanaugh, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) took to the Senate floor to explain the Constitutional basis for the President's power to nominate judges and executive branch officials. He spoke about the Senate's role in the process its relation to the concept of separation of power and checks and balances.
Bell Ringer Assignment
- What were the founders' concerns with giving the legislative branch the power to choose executive and judicial officials?
- How did Alexander Hamilton in Federalist 76 lay out the process for executive and judicial nominations? What arguments does he provide for this?
- How is the appointment process an example of a check on the president?
- How effective is the process for executive and judicial nominations in ensuring that the individual is "of fit character?" Explain your answer.
Additional Resource
Participants
Vocabulary
- Advise And Consent
- Alexander Hamilton
- Appointment
- Checks And Balances
- Constitution
- Federal 76
- Federalist Papers
- Horse Trading
- Nomination
- President
- Senate