The Supreme Court is a powerful body because so many laws are challenged — whether they're rulings on same-sex marriage, abortion, health care or immigration. Disputes between the executive branch and Congress often end up in the Supreme Court for a final say on constitutional law. From left, three possibilities for U.S. President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee: Neil Gorsuch of the Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit; William Pryor of the Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit; Thomas Hardiman, of the Court of Appeals, Third Circuit. The late Justice Antonin Scalia, in a 2010 file photo, died last February, leaving a vacant seat on the Supreme Court. The Republicans need 60 votes for a supermajority in order to confirm the Supreme Court pick.

Source: CBC News January 31, 2017 09:56 UTC