Attorney General Loretta Lynch Confirmation

On November 9, 2014, President Barack Obama nominated Loretta Lynch to replace Eric Holder as United States Attorney General. President Obama described Ms. Lynch’s qualifications for the position, including a 30-year career as a tough, fair, independent lawyer who twice headed one of the most prominent U.S. Attorney’s offices in the country, and noted that she had “spent her life fighting for fair and equal justice that is the foundation of our democracy.”

Ms. Lynch commented, “The Department of Justice was the only Cabinet Department named for an ideal. And this is actually appropriate, because our work is both aspirational, and grounded in gritty reality. It’s both ennobling and profoundly challenging.” Ms. Lynch would become the second woman and second African American to serve as Attorney General.

Referencing the scenario, describe the constitutional process necessary for Loretta Lynch to be confirmed after being nominated, and explain how this process demonstrates the concept of checks and balances.

Explain why the power being used in this scenario is given to the president.

Describe how the qualifications of Loretta Lynch mentioned in the scenario match the role for which she has been nominated, and explain how she could influence the executive branch in her role.