Which group has the authority to confirm federal judges nominated by the President?

The authority to confirm federal judges nominated by the President lies with the Senate. This process is established by the Constitution, specifically in Article II, Section 2, which grants the President the power to nominate judges "with the Advice and Consent of the Senate."

When a President nominates a candidate for a federal judgeship, the nomination is typically referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which conducts hearings and reviews the nominee's qualifications. However, the final decision regarding the confirmation is made by the full Senate. A simple majority vote in the Senate is required to confirm the nominee, reflecting the legislative branch's role in overseeing the judicial branch's appointments.

The House of Representatives does not play a role in this process, as its responsibilities primarily focus on different aspects of legislation. The Supreme Court, while involved in the judicial system, does not have a role in the confirmation of judges. Therefore, the Senate's unique position in this process underscores its importance in maintaining a system of checks and balances within the federal government.