The Selling of Supreme Court Nominees

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The evolution of the Supreme Court nomination process is examined through the lens of organized interest groups and their fluctuating influence. Beginning in the late 19th century, the book highlights how social and technological changes shaped the confirmation landscape. Maltese discusses the limitations faced by these groups due to the lack of popular election for senators until 1913 and the secrecy surrounding Senate proceedings until 1929. These structural factors significantly impacted the ability of interest groups to effectively engage in the confirmation process.