The Blue Slip: A Theory of Unified and Divided Government, 1979–2009

Abstract

The blue-slip policy of the Senate Judiciary Committee is a critical part of the appointment process that gives senators a say in the evaluation of federal judicial nominations. For much of its history, a blue slip could be used by senators to stop committee action on nominations originating from their home states. However, since the late 1970s there have been various modifications to the way blue slips function that have affected their stability and as a result impacted judicial confirmations. What explains the changes to blue slips after nearly twenty-five years of stability? This article provides evidence that in recent years partisan and ideological concerns have been primarily responsible for the frequent blue-slip policy alterations.