[20010220]98-709GOV_参议院行政事务和行政日历.pdf

Congressional Research Service ? The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code 98-709 GOVUpdated February 20, 2001Senate Executive Business and theExecutive CalendarWalter J. OleszekGovernment and Finance DivisionIn Article II of the Constitution, which addresses the executive branch, the FoundingFathers assigned certain duties exclusively to the Senate. Among these obligations isproviding “advice and consent” to treaties and nominations. As the pertinent part ofArticle II states: The President shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate,to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shallnominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint highgovernment officials.In effect, the Senate acts in a unicameral capacity when it is engaged in “executivebusiness” so-called because the Senate and the chief executive are constitutionallyinvolved in considering treaties and nominations.The Senate has responsibilities under both Article I (outlining legislative prerogatives)and Article II of the Constitution. As a result, the upper body handles legislative andexecutive busines