Which of the following is the first step in the appointment process for a position nominated by the president?

The first step in the appointment process for a position nominated by the president is the nomination by the president. This process begins when the president identifies an individual to fill a position, such as a cabinet member, federal judge, or other political appointees, and formally nominates them. This nomination is a critical step as it initiates the subsequent steps in the appointment process, which include hearings, debates, and votes in the Senate.

Following the nomination, the Senate typically holds hearings where they assess the nominee's qualifications and gather additional information. After the hearings and potential Senate debate, a vote is taken to confirm or reject the nominee. However, none of these actions can occur without the initial nomination from the president, as it sets the entire appointment process in motion.