Does the Senate approve US Supreme Court nominations?

Answer 1

They have the power to confirm or reject nominations to the US Supreme Court.

The only control the Senate has over the US Supreme Court is their exercise of "advice and consent," that allows them to confirm or reject the President's nominee for a vacancy on the Court. Confirmation requires a simple majority (51%) affirmation of the Senators voting. Short of a vote, the minority political party may also filibuster or threaten to filibuster in an attempt to get the nominee's name withdrawn from consideration.

Answer 2

The Senate votes to confirm or reject the Presidents' US Supreme Court nominees. Some people believe this power falls to Congress; however, "Congress" is a collective term that includes the House of Representatives, which has no voice in the Supreme Court selection process.

Article 2, Section 2, Paragraph 2 of the US Constitution provides that the President may nominate members of the Supreme Court, but that appointment only occurs with the "advice and consent" of the Senate. This means the Senate conducts an investigation of the candidate's qualifications and personal background, determines whether he or she would adequately fulfill the role of Justice, then votes whether to approve or disapprove the nomination. If the Senate votes a simple majority (51 votes) for confirmation, the nominee receives a commission; if a member of the Senate decides to filibuster to block or delay a nomination, a three-fifths (60) vote is required to end the filibuster (until 1975, the requirement was two-thirds of those present).

Article 2, Section 2, Paragraph 2:

"He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, judges of the Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States, whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by law: but the Congress may by law vest the appointment of such inferior officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of departments."

Answer 3

Yes. Article II of the Constitution stipulates the President nominates US Supreme Court justices with the "advice and consent" of the Senate. Approval requires a simple majority (51%) of the voting Senators (some may not be present, or may abstain).

Answer 4

Yes. The Senate votes to confirm or reject the Presidents' US Supreme Court nominees. Some people believe this power falls to Congress; however, "Congress" is a collective term that includes the House of Representatives, which has no voice in the Supreme Court selection process.

Article 2, Section 2, Paragraph 2 of the US Constitution provides that the President may nominate members of the Supreme Court, but that appointment only occurs with the "advice and consent" of the Senate. This means the Senate conducts an investigation of the candidate's qualifications and personal background, determines whether he or she would adequately fulfill the role of Justice, then votes whether to approve or disapprove the nomination. If the Senate votes a simple majority (51 votes) for confirmation, the nominee receives a commission; if a member of the Senate decides to filibuster to block or delay a nomination, a two-thirds supermajority vote is required for confirmation.

Article 2, Section 2, Paragraph 2:

"He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, judges of the Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States, whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by law: but the Congress may by law vest the appointment of such inferior officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of departments."

Answer 5

Yes. According to the "Nomination Clause" of Article II, the Senate has the sole authority to confirm or reject the President's Supreme Court nominations.

Answer 6

Yes. The Senate must vote to approve the nomination by a simple (51%) majority in order for the appointment to occur.

Answer 7

No, the parties choose their own nominations for candidates for president.

-Or-

Yes, if you mean nominations that the President makes.

Answer 8

Both the house and the senate.