Advice and consent is a Senate check within powers initiated by the president. The president nominates officers and makes treaties subject to Senate participation; the Senate may approve, reject, delay, or condition its consent but does not assume the president's initiating role.

The threshold depends on the matter. Nominations are confirmed under Senate procedures generally requiring a majority, while treaty consent requires two-thirds of senators present. The House has no formal vote in either Article II decision.

Subsequent action may restore a House role. Congress can define offices by statute, and a non-self-executing treaty may require implementing legislation passed by both chambers. Distinguish the Senate's Article II consent from ordinary lawmaking needed to carry a commitment into domestic effect.

Video lesson: Congressional Decisions: Crash Course Government and Politics #10