Which person became the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, nominated by Ronald Reagan?

Which person became the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, nominated by Ronald Reagan?

• A. Sandra Day O'Connor
• B. Ruth Bader Ginsburg
• C. Elena Kagan
• D. Sonia Sotomayor

Answer: (A)

Sandra Day O'Connor became the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court when President Ronald Reagan nominated her in 1981, and she was confirmed to the bench that same year. Her joining the Court marked a historic milestone, expanding opportunities for women in the highest levels of the federal government. O'Connor is remembered for her practical, moderate approach and for often serving as a pivotal swing vote in important decisions, notably in Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), where she helped uphold abortion rights while allowing states to place certain restrictions. This combination of historic first and influential, centrist judicial role is why she is the correct answer. The other women listed were nominated by different presidents: Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Bill Clinton, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor by Barack Obama, illustrating the distinct timing of O'Connor's groundbreaking appointment.

Sandra Day O'Connor became the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court when President Ronald Reagan nominated her in 1981, and she was confirmed to the bench that same year. Her joining the Court marked a historic milestone, expanding opportunities for women in the highest levels of the federal government. O'Connor is remembered for her practical, moderate approach and for often serving as a pivotal swing vote in important decisions, notably in Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), where she helped uphold abortion rights while allowing states to place certain restrictions. This combination of historic first and influential, centrist judicial role is why she is the correct answer. The other women listed were nominated by different presidents: Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Bill Clinton, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor by Barack Obama, illustrating the distinct timing of O'Connor's groundbreaking appointment.