What action can the President take without obtaining consent from the House or Senate?

The correct answer is that the President can deploy troops without obtaining consent from the House or Senate. This action is grounded in the President's role as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, a power outlined in Article II of the Constitution. The President can respond quickly to crises or military threats without needing to go through the lengthy process of Congressional approval, although there are limits to how long this can be sustained without legislative support, typically governed by the War Powers Resolution.

In contrast, ratifying a treaty requires a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate, which demonstrates the Senate's significant role in foreign policy decisions. Appointing ambassadors also necessitates Senate confirmation, reflecting the collaboration intended by the framers of the Constitution between the executive and legislative branches. Appointing district court judges is similarly contingent upon Senate confirmation, ensuring legislative oversight over judicial appointments. Thus, the deployment of troops stands out as an action largely at the President’s discretion, illustrating the distinct authority vested in the executive branch.