Recess Appointments: Frequently Asked Questions

Henry B. Hogue
Analyst in American National Government

Under the Constitution (Article II, Section 2, clause 2), the President and the Senate share the power to make appointments to high-level policy-making positions in federal departments, agencies, boards, and commissions. Generally, the President nominates individuals to these positions, and the Senate must confirm them before he can appoint them to office. The Constitution also provides an exception to this process. When the Senate is in recess, the President may make a temporary appointment, called a recess appointment, to any such position without Senate approval (Article II, Section 2, clause 3). This report supplies brief answers to some frequently asked questions regarding recess appointments.


Date of Report: March 29, 2010
Number of Pages: 9
Order Number: RS21308
Price: $29.95

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