ConfirmThem

By AndrewHyman Comments () / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

Long before becoming President of the United States, James Monroe participated in the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, as a delegate to the Virginia Ratifying Convention. During that convention (on 10 June 1788), he explained what the role of the President would be with regard to judicial nominations:

He is to nominate, and, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint, ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, judges of the Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States. THE CONCURRENCE OF A BARE MAJORITY OF THOSE WHO MAY BE PRESENT WILL ENABLE HIM TO DO THESE IMPORTANT ACTS.

Monroe carried on this tradition as one of Virginia's first United States Senators. This majoritarian tradition, which endured for 215 years, may be restored next week. Meanwhile, here's a link to lots more news stories on this subject, courtesy of How Appealing.