10. describe how political differences between the major parties affect the nomination and confirmation of…

Brief Explanations:

Political differences between major parties can lead to partisan battles. When a president (from one party) nominates a justice, the opposing party (in the Senate, which has the power to confirm) may oppose the nominee based on ideological/political stances. For example, if a president from a liberal - leaning party nominates a justice with a conservative judicial philosophy, the more conservative - leaning Senate (if controlled by the opposing party) may block the nomination. This is because each party wants justices who align with their policy - making (through judicial interpretation) goals. The confirmation process becomes a political arena where parties use their power (e.g., filibusters in the past, now the simple majority rule in some cases) to either advance or block nominees based on political differences.

Answer:

Political differences cause partisan opposition/advocacy in the nomination and confirmation process. Presidents nominate justices with ideological leanings (related to their party), and the Senate (controlled by a party, perhaps the opposite) uses its confirmation power to either support (if ideological alignment) or oppose (if ideological conflict) based on political/ideological differences.