Throughout American history, federal judges have held significant sway over the nation’s legal landscape. In recent years, as Congress has struggled to pass substantial legislation on critical issues such as abortion, immigration, and gun control, the judiciary has stepped into a more prominent role, effectively shaping the discourse on some of the nation’s most contentious matters.

When citizens head to the polls to elect the next president, they will not only be selecting the leader of the executive branch but also choosing between two distinct visions for the federal judiciary. Federal judges are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, and the lifetime tenure granted to most means they will influence American law for many generations to come.

Both President Biden and former President Donald J. Trump recognized the profound impact that judicial appointments have on American society. Mr. Trump made history by appointing more federal judges during his single term than any president since Jimmy Carter, while Mr. Biden is not far behind in his efforts to shape the judiciary.

Currently, approximately half of all federal judges have been appointed by either of these two recent presidents. A comprehensive analysis conducted by The New York Times revealed significant contrasts in ideology, demographics, and prior professional experiences among the nominees selected by each president.

As the next president prepares to assume office, they will likely encounter around 40 judicial vacancies that require filling. With an anticipated increase in openings over the next four years due to retirements, resignations, and unfortunate deaths, the ability to adequately fill these positions will largely hinge on which party controls the Senate.