The U.S. Senate recently approved Judge Neil Gorsuch to serve on the Supreme Court. The Senate’s vote occurred only after Gorsuch answered hundreds of questions about his legal philosophy, temperament, and qualifications for the High Court. This thorough review is appropriate for such a powerful position.

In the coming months the Senate will also consider President Trump’s nominees to serve as US attorneys across the country. These government prosecutors will wield awesome authority. Indeed, the late Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson said a federal prosecutor “has more control over life, liberty, and reputation than any other person in America.” Yet if the past is any guide, none of the president’s nominees will be asked a single question about their prosecutorial philosophy, approach to the law, or their temperament.