Article I, Section 7 grants the President authority to reject bills passed by Congress, returning unsigned legislation with objections within 10 days. This veto power serves as a critical check on legislative authority, forcing Congress to muster two-thirds supermajorities in both chambers to override presidential objections. Two types of vetoes exist. Regular vetoes occur when the President returns a bill with objections to Congress within the 10-day period. Congress can then begin override proceedings. Pocket vetoes occur when the President receives a bill fewer than 10 days before Congress adjourns sine die, preventing the bill''s return. Pocket-vetoed legislation dies without possibility of override; Congress must reintroduce and pass the measure again. Since 1789, presidents have vetoed 2,576 bills, with Congress overriding 111. Franklin Roosevelt holds the veto record at 635 total vetoes. Modern presidents use veto threats to shape legislation during negotiations. The veto power has proven effective in executive-legislative dealings, particularly on appropriations, regulatory policy, and foreign affairs. Supreme Court cases like Clinton v. City of New York struck down line-item veto attempts, preserving the Constitution''s all-or-nothing veto framework.
The Veto Power forces presidents to negotiate with Congress. Without it, Congress could pass laws over presidential objections. With it, presidents can block legislation but only temporarily—Congress can override with a supermajority.
People often think the veto is absolute. In practice, Congress can override with a two-thirds vote in both chambers. Modern politics makes overrides extremely rare because building supermajorities is very difficult.
The Veto Power forces presidents to negotiate with Congress. Without it, Congress could pass laws over presidential objections. With it, presidents can block legislation but only temporarily—Congress can override with a supermajority.
People often think the veto is absolute. In practice, Congress can override with a two-thirds vote in both chambers. Modern politics makes overrides extremely rare because building supermajorities is very difficult.