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

Biden was a longtime senator and still adheres to senatorial courtesy.

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This senatorial courtesy is in no way resilient enough to withstand the hurricane-force winds of contemporary politics, and Republicans ignored it 17 times to approve federal appellate judges under Trump.

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As the two lawmakers clashed over interruptions and Senate protocol, Mr. Brown chided his Republican colleague, “Senator Kennedy, senatorial courtesy is also not doing character assassination.”

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While Thursday’s ceremony was dictated by tradition and senatorial courtesy, Mr. Trump’s trial promises to be an unpredictable affair, as Democrats press their case for removing a Republican president they argue abused his power and obstructed Congress.

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He also said he has declined to return his blue slip — a senatorial courtesy that gives home-state senators a chance to express acceptance of a nominee.

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