Clarence Thomas Trivia Quiz Questions
Who is Clarence Thomas?
A: Clarence Thomas is an American lawyer who and an associate justice of the
U.S. Supreme Court.
When did he assume office?
A: October 23, 1991
Who was he nominated by?
A: George H. W. Bush
He was preceded by whom?
A: Thurgood Marshall
Thomas is the second “what” to serve on the Court,
after Marshall?
A: African American.
Thomas has been the senior associate justice, the
longest-serving member of the Court, with a tenure of how long?
A: 30 years, 191 days as of May 2, 2022.
Where did Thomas grow up?
A: In Savannah, Georgia.
Where was he educated?
A: At the College of the Holy Cross and Yale Law School.
He was appointed an assistant attorney general in what
state in 1974?
A: Missouri.
He became a legislative assistant to what United States
Senator in 1979?
A: John Danforth.
He was appointed Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
at the U.S. Department of Education in what year?
A: 1981.
President Ronald Reagan appointed Thomas Chairman of
what?
A: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 1982.
President George H. W. Bush nominated Thomas to what in
1990?
A: the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
He served in that role for how long before filling
Marshall's seat on the Supreme Court?
A: 16 months.
He developed warm relationships during his time on the
federal court, including with what fellow judge?
A: Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Thomas's confirmation hearings were bitter and
intensely fought, centering on what accusation?
A: That he had sexually harassed attorney Anita Hill, a subordinate at the
Department of Education and the EEOC.
What did Hill claim?
A: That Thomas made multiple sexual and romantic overtures to her despite
her repeatedly telling him to stop.
Thomas and his supporters asserted that Hill, as well
as the witnesses on her behalf and supporters, had done what?
A: Fabricated the allegations to prevent the appointment of a black
conservative to the Court.
Civil rights and feminist organizations opposed the
appointment based partially on what?
A: Thomas's criticism of affirmative action and suspicions that Thomas might
not support Roe v. Wade.
The Senate confirmed Thomas by what vote?
A: 52–48.
Supreme Court experts describe Thomas's jurisprudence
as what?
A: Originalist, stressing the original meaning of the United States
Constitution and statutes.
He is also an advocate of what?
A: Natural law.
Thomas is widely held to be the Court's most what?
A: Conservative member.
When was he admitted to the Missouri bar?
A: On September 13, 1974.