Final answer:
A recent trend in the appointment of new federal judges and justices is the focus on ideological leanings, the heightened attention and scrutiny of Supreme Court appointments, and the diversification of the federal court system.
Step-by-step explanation:
A recent trend in the appointment of new federal judges and justices is the increasing focus on the ideological leanings of the nominees. Presidents typically nominate candidates who reflect their own ideological position, which can have a lasting impact on the court's decisions.
For example, judges appointed by Democratic presidents tend to be more liberal on labor and economic regulation, civil rights, and criminal justice, while those appointed by Republican presidents lean more conservative on these issues.
Another trend is the heightened attention and scrutiny that Supreme Court appointments receive from the public and media. With the widespread use of the internet and social media, news about Supreme Court nominees spreads quickly and generates significant discussion and debate.
A third trend is the increasing diversification of the federal court system. The Supreme Court and other federal courts have become more diverse in terms of gender, religion, ethnicity, and ideology.