Republican President. Democratic Congress.

When it comes to restraining spending, nothing is better than a veto.

I don't understand the question. Are you suggesting there's a difference between Democrats and Republicans? If that assumptions about the parties were true, I'd rather have a Republican President that would use his/her veto pen regularly. But we know the myth that Republicans want smaller government and would veto more legislation is completely false. So the answer is: doesn't matter much.

Before I answer, are we talking specific Presidents, or specific wings of the parties, or just the "average" R and D?

Republican congress, Democratic president. I'd want the final vote and veto over ride power to be with Republicans. A Democratic president and cabinet would allow for balance.

Republican president, Democrat congress.

For being able to select the Cabinet, nominate judges and veto

Depends on the majority ratio in each house. If less than 60 (in the Senate), I'll take a GOP prez and Dem Congress (whatever stupid bills they come up with and are vetoed, assuming they are vetoed (AHEM, Mr. Bush), cannot be overridden). If more than 60, then I want a GOP congress and a Dem Prez. SCOTUS appts are going to be a lot less rare in the next few years, I think, and as we've seen with the cabinet for the last few terms, they'll make asinine decisions no matter what their party affiliation.

Rep. President, Dem. Congress