Bruce Ackerman on Judicial Appointments in the US Senate

The US Senate is in turmoil over judicial appointments. If you have some time to spare, Robert A. Caro's Master of the Senate is probably the best book around on the workings of the American Upper House (albeit primarily in the 50's and 60's) and of a minority's blocking power in that body (then: the Democrats on racial equality). For a quicker introduction to the background of current issues, have a look at this short article by professor Bruce Ackerman of Yale Law School.