1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $5(x^0 y)$. 2. **Recall the rule:** Any nonzero number or variable raised to the zero power equals 1, i.e., $x^0 = 1$. 3. **Apply the rule:** Replace $x^0$ with 1: $$5(x^0 y) = 5(1 \cdot y)$$ 4. **Simplify the multiplication:** $$5(1 \cdot y) = 5y$$ 5. **Final answer:** The simplified expression is $5y$.