Who has the power to appoint Supreme Court justices?

• A. The Senate
• B. The Chief Justice
• C. The President, with Senate confirmation
• D. The Attorney General

Answer: (C)

The President has the authority to appoint Supreme Court justices, but this power is not unilateral; it requires the confirmation of the Senate. This process is outlined in Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, which states that the President can nominate judges to the Supreme Court "with the Advice and Consent of the Senate." Therefore, after the President selects a nominee, the Senate conducts hearings, discusses the nominee's qualifications, and votes to confirm or reject the appointment. This system serves as a system of checks and balances, ensuring that both the executive and legislative branches have a role in the judicial appointment process.

In this context, the other options do not have the authority to appoint justices. The Senate's role is limited to confirming the President's choices; the Chief Justice oversees the court but does not have appointment powers; and the Attorney General, while a key legal official, has no direct role in the appointment of Supreme Court justices.