Conservatives will shape US Supreme Court agenda

Significance

The Supreme Court opened its 2017–18 term earlier this month, and many of the cases currently scheduled for arguments could have significant implications for individuals, corporations, and foreign governments. The Court has not yet fully determined which cases it will hear this year, but many of those it will hear through the end of 2017 will be closely watched, especially due to the changed political and administrative circumstances surrounding the Court since the end of its 2016–17 term.

Impacts

• A new Supreme Court vacancy could increase Trump’s popularity within his party despite his congressional critics.
• Democrats would benefit from gerrymandering restrictions, but stronger party structures are needed to win in redrawn districts.
• Union membership is likely to decline further, given structural economic shifts and state-level governmental pressure.