Story: President Picks Conservative for Supreme Court: 10/31/05
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/july-dec05/alito_10-31.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. Who is Samuel Alito and why are Democrats opposed to him?

2. What problems is President Bush having?

3. What is a federal appeals court?

4. What is known about Alito's position on abortion?

5. Why is Alito known as "Scalito"?

6. How might the Democrats block Alito's confirmation?

7. What is the "nuclear option"?

Discussion Questions (more research might be needed):

1. Does Alito sound like he would be a good Supreme Court justice? Why or why not?

2. Research laws affecting abortion. Why is this such a controversial issue? What is the difference between laws regarding abortion and personal views on whether abortion is wrong or acceptable?

3. Interview your parents, teachers or other adults to find out how they think the recent changes on the court will affect life in the United States.

Write a 300-500 word essay on either of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra (extra@newshour.org). Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.