The Senate confirms most presidential nominees, but rejections are not uncommon.

It confirms most presidential nominees but rejections are not uncommon.

The Senate has the sole authority to confirm or reject gubernatorial nominees for judicial and some executive positions.

The filibuster, or extended debate, prevents the Republicans from using their slim majority to confirm nominees.

Such refusals to confirm Christian nominees are, in effect, an unconstitutional imposition of a religious test for holding office.

The Senate's power to confirm or reject judicial nominees balances the president's authority to nominate them.

Democrats cited this offer as a goodwill gesture to show that they are willing to cooperate with Republicans and confirm "acceptable" nominees.

The Senate confirms judicial and other nominees appointed by the governor.

But what about voting to confirm nominees?

Even as agencies wait for the Senate to confirm nominees for top positions, other appointees' terms expire.