Definition
When the president appoints officials while Congress is in recess, bypassing the normal confirmation process. A constitutional loophole that lets executives do an end-run around legislative obstruction.
Example Usage
Facing a Senate filibuster, the president made a recess appointment of the controversial nominee during the holiday break.
Origin
U.S. Constitution Article II, Section 2, intended for 18th-century travel delays
Fun Fact
The Senate now holds pro forma sessions every few days during recesses specifically to prevent recess appointments, leading to constitutional debates about what constitutes a real 'recess.'
Source: Constitutional law and executive power
Related Terms
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