Over the past few weeks, news outlets have been inundated with articles and opinions on President-elect Trump’s 15 choices for his Cabinet. All of us have probably learned something about each of them. However, do you understand the process that must take place before the President and his new Cabinet are able to get to work for the American people?

President Bill Clinton made 139 recess appointments and President George W. Bush made 171, though neither used the process for top-level cabinet positions.
Between now and January 20, 2025 — Inauguration Day — each of them will be put through a rigorous confirmation “sprint” with the goal that they can start work on Day 1. The reason for this rigorous confirmation is found in the framers’ Constitutional design.
After separation from a kingly rule and understanding the sinful nature of mankind, the framers of the Constitution were determined to avoid concentrating power in any one individual, so our unique constitution distributes authority across three branches of government, with checks and balances to distribute and control power.
The Process
The Constitution Article II, Section 2 divides the responsibility of filling top positions in the executive branch between the president and the Senate — the president nominates Cabinet secretaries, and the Senate confirms them.
First, the president-elect’s transition team nominates appointees and sends their nominations to the Senate.
Second, the Senate determines whether to confirm the nomination.
Third, the president presents a signed commission to the successful nominee, and he or she is sworn in, assuming authority to carry out the duties of the office.
Responsibilities of the President-elect’s Team
The president-elect’s transition team selects, vets and interviews prospective appointees, but the final decision belongs to the President-elect. Candidates are guided in completing various forms, such as financial disclosure reports, a national security questionnaire, and meeting...