Confirmation
Definition
The Senate's power to approve or reject presidential nominations, known as advice and consent. Nominations now need only a simple majority, after rule changes in 2013 (most nominations) and 2017 (Supreme Court).
Related Terms
The upper chamber of Congress with 100 members—two from each state. Senators serve six-year terms, with one-third up for election every two years.
Nuclear OptionA Senate procedure that changes the rules to allow a simple majority to end debate, bypassing the 60-vote cloture requirement. Used in 2013 for executive-branch and lower-court nominations, and extended to Supreme Court nominations in 2017.
ClotureA Senate procedure to end debate and bring a measure to a vote. Requires 60 votes for legislation. Nominations need only a simple majority, after rule changes in 2013 (most nominations) and 2017 (Supreme Court).
More Congress Terms
Common Questions
- What does "Confirmation" mean?
- The Senate's power to approve or reject presidential nominations, known as advice and consent. Nominations now need only a simple majority, after rule changes in 2013 (most nominations) and 2017 (Supreme Court).
- What terms are related to confirmation?
- Related terms include: Senate, Nuclear Option, Cloture. Understanding these related concepts helps provide context for confirmation.