Who has the authority to appoint federal judges?

The authority to appoint federal judges is vested in the President of the United States, as outlined in Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution. This section grants the President the power to nominate judges to the Supreme Court and other federal courts. However, it is important to note that these appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate, meaning the Senate must confirm the President's nominees through a voting process.

The reasoning behind this structure is to ensure a system of checks and balances, where the Executive Branch (the President) has the authority to nominate judges, but the Legislative Branch (the Senate) provides oversight and confirmation to prevent any potential abuse of power. This balance is crucial to maintaining judicial independence while also ensuring accountability to the elected branches of government.

In contrast, the House of Representatives, as a part of the Legislative Branch, does not have any role in the appointment process for federal judges. The Attorney General, while a key figure in the Department of Justice, also does not hold the authority to appoint judges. Thus, the President is the correct answer with respect to who has the authority over federal judicial appointments.