senatorial courtesy

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of senatorial courtesy

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

Both say that Chairman Cash should have allowed them to exercise their senatorial courtesy to speak outside of public comment and reasonably exceed the two-minute limit.

From Salon • Nov. 17, 2025

The blue-slip tradition is a vestige of senatorial courtesy, giving home-state senators a chance to weigh in on judicial nominees from their states.

From Washington Times • May 7, 2018

The unwritten rule of senatorial courtesy plays an important part in this process.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2016

One is traditional senatorial courtesy, which has almost always meant a relatively smooth confirmation process for any current or former senator chosen for a Cabinet or ambassadorial post.

From Washington Post • Jan. 16, 2013

Senatorial Courtesy.—There has grown up an almost invariable custom, known as senatorial courtesy.

From Our Government: Local, State, and National: Idaho Edition by James, J.A.