Recess appointment

A recess appointment is a constitutionally protected right of the executive branch of (U.S.) government. It allows the executive branch to fill vacancies during congress' recess without the need for immediate senate confirmation. The commission or appointment must be ratified (i.e. approved) by the congress by the end of the next sessionn

This executive right has been traditionally done to fill vacancies with candidates which might prove difficult to confirm or face staunch opposition from the senate. The appointment is made in the hopes that by the time the next congress session begins, opposition has died down or a new controlling party has emerged in favor of the appointment.