Which branch of government has the power to appoint federal judges?

The executive branch is responsible for appointing federal judges. This power is vested in the President of the United States, who nominates individuals to serve as judges on the federal court system, including the Supreme Court, Courts of Appeals, and District Courts. Following the nomination, the Senate has the authority to confirm or reject these appointments. This system exemplifies the principle of checks and balances within the federal government, as the executive branch proposes judges while the legislative branch has the power to approve them.

The legislative branch, while it plays a crucial role in the confirmation process, does not have the authority to directly appoint federal judges. The judicial branch, on the other hand, interprets the law and administers justice but does not engage in the appointment process. Finally, state governments operate independently of the federal government and handle their own judicial appointments, but they do not influence federal judges. This distinctly highlights the role of the executive branch in the appointment of federal judges.