Sorry for the non-descriptive title, but while I was typing a more descriptive one I realized it was going to be overly long.
My understanding of the USSC appointments is that
- they are for life
- only the US President can appoint a new member
- only the Senate can confirm the appointments
and this comes from the US Constitution.
As a comparison, I have the Italian top Constitutional Court
- appointments are with a term (9 years, single-term)
- to maintain balance within the three branches of government, each branch appoints a third of the members (with the President being part of the Executive branch)
This also is detailed in the Italian Constitution.
What has been the political discussion/process that has brought the US to the current rather than other processes?