THE AUTHORITY TO appoint judges, cabinet secretaries, diplomats, and other officials is one of the president's most important powers. Because such officials are not elected, the people trust the chief executive to select competent and effective persons to fill important government positions. The cabinet personnel the president chooses make daily decisions that affect the lives of millions of Americans. And appointed foreign ambassadors, as the people's representatives abroad, help shape the way foreigners view the United States. The president's power to nominate judges to the Supreme Court is particularly significant. Because a judge is appointed for life, he or she usually continues to make decisions profoundly affecting society long after his or her presidential sponsor has left office.

The division of authority

In all, a modern president assuming office appoints or nominates for appointment over five thousand officials of various kinds, far more than...