If the U.S. Senate is in recess, how can the President fill vacancies?

When the U.S. Senate is in recess, the President has the authority to fill vacancies through the granting of commissions that last until the next session of the Senate. This process is rooted in the Constitution, specifically Article II, Section 2, which allows the President to make temporary appointments to fill vacancies that occur during a recess. These appointments are effective until the Senate reconvenes, at which point the appointees must be confirmed by the Senate to continue in office.

This process ensures that essential government functions can continue without delay, particularly in times of vacancy when immediate action is necessary. Granting commissions during a recess allows the President to act swiftly in securing appointments that can help maintain the stability and operation of the federal government.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the mechanisms provided by the Constitution for handling vacancies during a Senate recess. For instance, calling a special session of the Senate does not address immediate vacancies, and appointing a temporary Senator is not a power granted to the President under the Constitution. Additionally, issuing an executive order does not pertain to filling Senate vacancies, as appointments require specific procedures involving the Senate's advice and consent.