senatorial courtesy

noun

1. the practice in the U.S. Senate of confirming only those presidential appointees approved by both senators from the state of the appointee, or by the senior senator of the president's party.

Word History and Origins

Origin of senatorial courtesy¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

That's their right: There are no ground rules to senatorial courtesy.

From The Daily Beast

You will begin your senatorial courtesy calls almost immediately.

From The Daily Beast

He fell back upon the practice of senatorial courtesy, and held up the confirmation of the appointment.

From Project Gutenberg

Forgotten, in this moment, is senatorial courtesy and respect for the powers of the feudal system.

From Project Gutenberg