1. Home
  2. News & Issues
  3. US Politics

What Is A Presidential Veto?

From About.com

Definition: The veto is the power of the executive (President or Governor) to prevent the enactment of a bill or resolution by refusing to sign the measure. The President has 10 days (excluding Sundays) to sign or reject a bill passed by Congress; failure to do sign is tacit approval of the bill, with one exception.

There are two forms of veto.

First, a regular veto occurs when the President returns the legislation to Congress, explaining the reason for the veto. Congress can overridde this veto by a two-thirds vote in both the Senate and the House, forcing a bill to become law over Presidential objection. If this occurs, the bill becomes law over the President's objections. Second, if Congress adjourns during the 10-day period, the bill does not become law.

Explore US Politics

By Category

About.com Special Features

What is a Recession?

Sure, we're all talking about it, but what, exactly, defines a recession? More >

Weird Breaking News

A daily look at some of the oddest (and dumbest) crimes around. More >

  1. Home
  2. News & Issues
  3. US Politics
  4. Glossary
  5. Presidential Veto - Political Terminology, What Is A Presidential Veto

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.