The Senate Armed Services Committee conducts the confirmation hearing for General George W. Casey, Jr., President Bush's nominee for Army Chief of Staff. General Casey is the former Commander of Allied Forces in Iraq.

Discussion Questions

1. Which House of Congress is directly involved with the confirmation hearing? What role do committees, like the Senate Armed Services, play in Congress? Why do you think presidential nominees appear before committees instead of the entire Congress?
2. Explain how the video clip illustrates the political principle of checks and balances. Which section of the Constitution outlines the presidential nomination process?
3. Do you feel Gen. Casey is qualified to be the Army Chief of Staff? Why or why not?
4. Predict whether or not you think the Senate Armed Services will confirm Gen. Casey to be the next Army Chief of Staff. Explain your answer.