There are civics lessons in Senate Confirmation hearings. Since we have hearings this week for Cabinet positions, this is an excellent opportunity to see how the confirmation process works. After all, these hearings are not only for the Senate but for We The People. You would be surprised at what you can learn in a few minutes of listening to questions from both parties serving on the committee.
First, I recommend you listen to coverage without comment. Senate.gov turns on the camera and lets it roll. If people fall asleep, giggle, roll their eyes, etc., you see it all as it happens without comment. Another source for watching or listening without comment is CSPAN. You can always catch replays by doing a computer search for something like “Senate Confirmation hearings for (insert name).”
Civics Lesson #1
Next, view the confirmation hearings with an eye toward checks and balances on the President’s power. These confirmations for Cabinet positions serve as a check on presidential power to ensure there is no usurpation and the powers between the three branches of government remain balanced.
Civics Lesson #2
Furthermore, it’s important to note that Article II, sec. 2, clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution requires the President, after nominating the candidates, to obtain the advice and consent of the Senate for “Heads of Departments.” So, in observing Senate Confirmation Hearings, we are participating in this constitutional process through our elected officials.
Civics Lesson #3
The nominees undergo a vetting process with the Office of Government Ethics before being vetted during the Senate Confirmation Hearings. You have the opportunity with the senators to assess the candidate’s qualifications, any conflicts of interest, and their demeanor and prior experiences.
Civics Lesson #4
Finally, by tuning in to the Senate Confirmation Hearings, We the People are doing our job to keep our government accountable to us. If confirmed, these nominees will serve We The People, not just the President. Plus, we engage in a good civics lesson.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.🇺🇸
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