When William Rehnquist was appointed chief justice in 1986, which of the following occurred?

A. Supreme Court decisions had always been in line with conservative ideology.
B. Justices became even more fixed in their ideological orientations.
C. The commerce clause was struck down by liberal justices.
D. The Supreme Court began a shift toward greater conservatism.
E. The Supreme Court lost its swing votes.



Answer :

Final answer:

The appointment of William Rehnquist in 1986 didn't solidify conservative ideology in Supreme Court decisions, as justices' rulings could differ from expectations based on their background. Justices like Sandra Day O'Connor and David Souter demonstrated variances from expected conservative stances, showcasing the complexity of judicial decision-making.


Explanation:

The appointment of William Rehnquist as Chief Justice in 1986 did not guarantee a consistent conservative ideological alignment in Supreme Court decisions. Justices on the Court, regardless of their appointing president, have at times surprised by ruling differently than expected. For example, Sandra Day O'Connor championed women's rights despite being nominated by Republican President Ronald Reagan, and David Souter, appointed by Republican George H. W. Bush, often aligned with the Court's liberal wing.

Additionally, the notion of a solid liberal or conservative stance for all Justices is inaccurate. Anthony Kennedy, a Reagan appointee, was known as the Court's swing vote, showcasing the fluid nature of judicial decisions that can vary from case to case.

Over time, the Court's composition has shifted, with more conservative appointments, but ideological leanings and decisions by justices have shown complexities and nuances that defy strict partisan expectations.


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