1.  Define 'rule of law'.

2.  What qualifications did President Bush say that Judge Alito has that make him a good nominee for Supreme Court judge?

3.  For how many years has Sam Alito been a federal judge?  On which court is he a judge?  List the states that are under that court's jurisdiction.  What is noteworthy about his confirmation to that court?

4.  Which Supreme Court justice has Mr. Alito been appointed to replace?  Why is that significant to him?

5.  Re-read the last two paragraphs of the article.  What does Judge Alito mean when he says that he will "always [keep] in mind the limits of the role that the courts play in our constitutional system?"