Why are the judicial philosophies and general ideological outlooks of the people who will become Supreme Court and appeals court judges so important today?

What will be an ideal response?

An ideal response will:
1, Discuss how the federal courts—particularly the circuit courts and the Supreme Court—have become more important in determining American public policies, and how personal philosophy can impact decisions in the courts.
2, Describe the partisan and ideological conflicts that have become more pronounced in the country, and how having judicial experience has become more important in the nomination and confirmation process.