What is the second step in the process of selecting Supreme Court Justices?

The correct answer highlights the process that takes place after a Supreme Court Justice has been nominated by the President. This nomination is then followed by the confirmation phase, which involves the Senate's role in evaluating and ultimately approving or rejecting the nominee. The confirmation process includes hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee, where the nominee answers questions about their record, judicial philosophy, and qualifications. Following these hearings, the full Senate votes on whether to confirm the nominee.

This step is crucial as it serves as a check on the presidential power to appoint justices, ensuring that the nominees are subject to scrutiny and must gain the confidence of a majority in the Senate. It reflects the system of checks and balances that is foundational to the U.S. government, ensuring that no single branch has unchecked authority in the appointment processes. The other options involve processes that either do not apply to Supreme Court Justice selection or are not part of the official steps. For example, the House of Representatives does not play a role in the confirmation, and public election votes are not part of the judicial appointment process.