The supreme court is commonly thought to be "above politics." however, one can argue that the appointment of supreme court justices is political. 1. (a) identify three characteristics of supreme court nominees. (b) discuss how each characteristic has been politically relevant during the appointment process. (c) use real facts from the confirmation of elena kagan to illustrate at least one of these characteristics. 2. (a) identify two methods that have been used by interest groups to influence the appointment process. (b) explain how each of these methods has been used to influence that process. (c) use real facts from the confirmation of elena kagan to illustrate at least one of these methods.