On February 13, 2016, following the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell issued a statement that the Supreme Court vacancy should be left to the next president of the United States, who would be elected this November. Nonetheless, President Obama nominated circuit judge Merrick Garland to fill the vacancy. The Senate judiciary committee never held a hearing nor was a vote scheduled on the nomination. The scenario demonstrates that the Senate prefers to pick members of the Supreme Court Answer A: the Senate prefers to pick members of the Supreme Court A there are very few qualified individuals who can serve as Supreme Court justices Answer B: there are very few qualified individuals who can serve as Supreme Court justices B because the judicial branch is elected, the Supreme Court must be responsive to public opinion Answer C: because the judicial branch is elected, the Supreme Court must be responsive to public opinion C because federal judges are lifetime appointments, Senate confirmation can oftentimes be challenging