Meaning: The quote provided seems to reference the role of Congress and the President in appointing inferior officers, particularly in the context of the U.S. government's system of checks and balances. The mention of "inferior officers" and the process of appointing them is likely related to the Appointments Clause of the United States Constitution, which outlines the procedures for appointing certain officials within the federal government.

The Appointments Clause, found in Article II, Section 2, Clause 2 of the Constitution, delineates the process for appointing various government officials. It states that the President "shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law."

The clause distinguishes between principal officers, who typically require Senate confirmation, and inferior officers, who may be appointed by the President alone, the courts, or heads of departments. This distinction is important because it allows for different appointment processes based on the level of authority and responsibility of the position.

In the quote, the mention of Congress passing a law to send nominees to the President for appointment without the advice and consent of the Senate likely pertains to the specific provisions for appointing inferior officers. It is true that Congress has the authority to establish laws governing the appointment of inferior officers, including granting the President the power to make such appointments without Senate confirmation, as long as it is consistent with the Constitution.

This power of Congress to provide for the appointment of inferior officers without the Senate's advice and consent is a significant aspect of the Appointments Clause. It allows for a more streamlined process for certain appointments, particularly those that are considered to be of lesser significance or lower in rank within the federal government.

The ability of Congress to legislate on the appointment process for inferior officers demonstrates the broader system of checks and balances within the U.S. government. By granting Congress the authority to establish laws governing these appointments, the Constitution ensures that no single branch of the government has unchecked power over the appointment process, thereby maintaining a system of accountability and oversight.

Overall, the quote highlights the complex interplay between the branches of the U.S. government in the appointment of inferior officers, emphasizing the role of Congress in legislating the appointment process and the President's authority to make such appointments in accordance with the laws established by Congress. It underscores the careful balance of powers enshrined in the Constitution and the mechanisms in place to ensure responsible governance and the functioning of the federal bureaucracy.

In conclusion, the quote by John Hooker seems to reflect the constitutional framework for the appointment of inferior officers in the U.S. government, emphasizing the role of Congress in legislating the appointment process and the President's authority in making such appointments. It underscores the careful balance of powers enshrined in the Constitution and the mechanisms in place to ensure responsible governance and the functioning of the federal bureaucracy.