Supreme Court Appointment Criteria and Qualities

The speaker announces the nomination of Judge Sandra Day O'Connor to fill the Supreme Court vacancy left by Justice Stewart's resignation. Addressing speculation, the speaker reaffirms a campaign promise to appoint a qualified woman, emphasizing that the choice is based on merit. O'Connor is praised for her temperament, fairness, and intellect. The speaker urges the Senate for a swift, bipartisan confirmation to allow O'Connor to take her place in history.

What prompted the need for a new Supreme Court nomination?

• A vacancy due to a justice's passing

• A new law requiring more justices

• The retirement of a Chief Justice

• The resignation of Justice Stewart

What was the main focus of speculation regarding the Supreme Court appointment?

• The age of the nominee

• The political affiliation of the nominee

• Whether a woman would be appointed

• The educational background of the nominee

What commitment did the speaker make during their presidential campaign?

• To appoint a justice with no prior judicial experience

• To appoint the most qualified woman to the Supreme Court

• To appoint the youngest justice in history

• To appoint a justice from a minority background

What criteria did the speaker emphasize for appointing a woman to the Supreme Court?

• Meeting high standards of all court appointees

• Having a background in politics

• Being a graduate of a specific law school

• Having prior experience as a Supreme Court clerk

Who was nominated to fill the Supreme Court vacancy?

• Judge Sonia Sotomayor

• Judge Sandra Day O'Connor

• Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg

• Judge Elena Kagan

What qualities did the speaker attribute to Judge Sandra Day O'Connor?

• Experience in international law

• Political acumen and media savviness

• Temperament, fairness, intellectual capacity, and devotion to public good

• Youth and modern legal perspectives

What did the speaker urge the Senate to do regarding Judge O'Connor's nomination?

• Seek public opinion before deciding

• Conduct a lengthy investigation

• Swiftly confirm her nomination

• Postpone the confirmation