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The Supreme Court is part of the judicial branch of government. The executive branch is the president and vice president, and the legislative branch is Congress. Supreme Court justices are not elected, but the upcoming election -- for president and for members of Congress -- could have a big effect on the court. That's because the president nominates Supreme Court justices. And these nominations must be approved by the Senate. Nominating a Supreme Court justice is very important, because justices have the job for life. They can't be removed except by impeachment, which means being charged with serious misdeeds -- and this has only happened once, more than 200 years ago. Justices usually keep their jobs until they die or decide to retire. Five of the current Supreme Court justices are 70 years old or older. One of them, John Paul Stevens, is 88. Justices often delay their retirement until a president they agree with is elected. Justice Stevens votes on the liberal side of most cases, as do the other justices on the left here. The justices on the right usually vote on the conservative side. Justice Kennedy is considered a swing vote -- he could go either way. In general, Republican presidents appoint more conservative justices and Democratic presidents, appoint more liberal judges. What do you think are the most important qualities a Supreme Court justice must have? Why?
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