advice and consent

n

1. Phrase found in Article II, Section 2, Clause
2. of the United States Constitution describing the Senate’s role in confirming presidential appointments and ratifying treaties. The “consent” takes the form of a vote. Rarely does a president formally seek the Senate’s advice (it has happened only twice; the last time was in 1848), but senators often advise the president informally as to which potential nominees and treaty provisions are acceptable.