Under the Appointments Clause of the United States Constitution and law of the United States, certain federal positions appointed by the president of the United States require confirmation (advice and consent) of the United States Senate.
These "PAS" (Presidential Appointment needing Senate confirmation) positions, as well as other types of federal government positions, are published in the United States Government Policy and Supporting Positions (Plum Book), which is released after each United States presidential election. A 2012 Congressional Research Service study estimated that approximately 1200-1400 positions require Senate confirmation.
Office of Management and Budget
Office of Science and Technology Policy
Office of the United States Trade Representative
Office of Management and Budget
Office of National Drug Control Policy
There are a number of positions that required Senate confirmation of appointees in the past, but do not today. The Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act of 2011 (Pub.L. 112-166), signed into law on August 10, 2012, eliminates the requirement of Senate approval for 163 positions, allowing the president alone to appoint persons to these positions: Parts of the act went into effect immediately, while other parts took effect on October 9, 2012, 60 days after enactment.