What responsibility does the Senate have regarding treaties and appointments?

The Senate has a specific responsibility with regard to treaties and appointments, which is to confirm them. According to the U.S. Constitution, treaties negotiated by the President need to be ratified by a two-thirds majority in the Senate. This ensures a level of check and balance, as it requires support not only from the executive branch but also from the legislative body that represents the states. Similarly, the Senate plays a crucial role in the appointment process; it has the authority to confirm or reject presidential nominations for various positions, including federal judges, cabinet members, and ambassadors. This confirmation process is intended to ensure that such important positions are filled by individuals who have received approval from the Senate, representing the states' interests in the federal government.

Other responsibilities typically assigned to Congress do not directly pertain to the Senate's role in treaties and appointments. For instance, proposing new laws is primarily relegated to both chambers of Congress, while creating budgetary guidelines and managing congressional investigations involve broader legislative functions and are not exclusive to the Senate's competency in confirming treaties and appointments. Thus, confirming treaties and appointments stands out as the specific role attributed to the Senate.