THE DEATH OF ANTONIN SCALIA 

                     The sudden unexpected death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia is very big issue in this election. Not only has there never been a death of  Justice during an election year, but not a replacement either. With only 8 out of 9 Justices there is now a possibility that the Court could end in a lame duck tie. 

                     There was no sign of foul play in the 79 year old death. He was the longest standing judge in the Supreme Court being elected when President Reagan was in office. He was elected because of his extreme Republican beliefs, but his qualifications were impeccable going to Harvard University for law, University of Friouberg, and Georgetown University.

                     One of the big problems this causes is now the Court is split down the middle with 4 republican justices and 4 democratic justices. so close to the Presidential election, republicans are worried of him pushing an extreme liberal to be appointed Justice. But Republicans hold the majority in the Senate and House so they will have to meet on common ground or put it off til the next president is in office.
                      This is a very big topic in AP Government and Politics because of the upcoming election this leaves a big seat open in the Supreme Court. Also raises questions on how the senate moves about this appointment. With an empty seat conclusions to many bills won't be fully decided upon and if they hold the appointment off for another year that means many things will have a hold put on it.