Under Article 2, Section 2, Clause 2, what role does the Senate play in the appointment of ambassadors or the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court?

Answer 1

Hello Abigail,

Under that particular Article, Section and Clause, the Senate has the role of advise and consent to the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court, and ambassadors.

From the Constitution to the United States:

"He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments."

You will notice that the advise and consent role applies to Treaties as well. I bring this to the discussion because often many people are under the impression that the Senate merely provides ratification to a Treaty made by the President or one of his or her Cabinet.

I hope this helps. Have a great rest of the week. Best!