How diverse are the Federal Courts?
Critical Analysis
Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, any links below, your big brain, and your knowledge of American government and politics:
Article III judges make up the U.S. Supreme Court, circuit courts, district courts, and the U.S. Court of International Trade. Why do you think we refer to them as Article III Judges?
According to recent census bureau data 61.6% of Americans identify as White. Approximately 66.83% of all Federal Judges are White? Half of Americans are female. Approximately what percent of federal judges are female?
Do Article III judges more accurately representative American in terms of race or gender?
Why do you think that is?
45 of 46 presidents have been white. 46 of 46 presidents have been male. What role do presidents have in shaping the Article III courts?
When a president nominates someone for the federal courts, according to Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. freaking Constitution, who must approve that nominee?
According to the American Constitution Society, “Courts should look like the people they represent.” Explain whether you agree with that statement.
According to a 2022 Gallup Report only 47% of Americans trusted the judicial branch - an all time low. The judicial branch relies upon the executive branch to enforce any of its rulings. Explain how the low approval of the judiciary could impact its power.
Based on the visual below, if there is a second Trump presidency, what will likely happen to the diversity of future federal court nominees?
Based on the visual below, what conclusion can you draw about American political parties and their views on diversity.
Write and Discuss
Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.
Learn More
Check out the interactive graphics about the diversity of Article III courts.
Act on your Learning
Contact President Biden or holler at him on Twitter @POTUS and share your opinion on his judicial nominations.
Get Creative
You are president. Congratulations! What do your judicial appointments look like in terms of diversity?