Who has the authority to veto bills?

The authority to veto bills lies with the President of the United States. This process is outlined in the U.S. Constitution, specifically in Article I, Section 7, which grants the President the power to reject legislation passed by Congress. When a bill is presented to the President, they have several options: they can sign it into law, allow it to become law without a signature by taking no action for ten days (excluding Sundays), or exercise their veto power by returning the bill to Congress with objections.

The veto serves as a check on the legislative branch, allowing the President to prevent legislation they find objectionable from becoming law. A veto can be overridden by Congress with a two-thirds majority vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, but until that occurs, the President’s decision stands. This significant role underscores the balance of power among the branches of government, with the President holding a decisive influence over legislation.

In contrast, the Senate and the House of Representatives do not have veto power; instead, they are responsible for proposing and passing legislation. The Supreme Court’s role is to interpret the law and ensure that it aligns with the Constitution but does not include vetoing bills.