1.  The purpose of an editorial/commentary is to explain, persuade, warn, criticize, entertain, praise or answer. What do you think is the purpose of this editorial? Explain your answer.

2.  What is the main idea of this editorial?

3. The writers state, "This history shows that today’s court is more than capable of doing its work with eight justices."  They give multiple examples to prove their point and conclude:  "Regardless of what happens in any particular case, Justice Scalia’s absence—while a huge loss for the nation—hardly hampers the functioning of the Supreme Court even if his seat remains vacant until after the election."  Do you think they proved their assertion?  Explain your answer..