What is the origin and purpose of a new bishop being questioned by a layperson?

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I would like to try to address the second question, "What is the rationale for having the interview with a member of the laity?"

It does not seem clear from the ancient Canons that laypeople were explicitly called to approve and/or examine a candidate bishop. It seems, though, that a bishop's election had to be approved by laypeople as well as clergy by the time of the 5th century, at least in some jurisdictions. Leo the Great wrote:

When therefore the choice of the chief priest is taken in hand, let him be preferred before all whom the unanimous consent of clergy and people demands, but if the votes chance to be divided between two persons, the judgment of the metropolitan should prefer him who is supported by the preponderance of votes and merits: only let no one be ordained against the express wishes of the place: lest a city should either despise or hate a bishop whom they did not choose, and lamentably fall away from religion because they have not been allowed to have when they wished.

Letter XIV, To Anastasius, Bishop of Thessalonica, Chapter VI, "The Election of a Bishop must proceed by the wishes of the clergy and people."

There is perhaps a still better answer, but since the question has remained unanswered for two years, I thought I would at least contribute this.

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