What is a veto?

A veto refers specifically to the President's disapproval of a bill passed by Congress. When the President vetoes a bill, it effectively means that the legislation is rejected and will not become law unless Congress takes further action. This action involves an override of the veto, which requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and the Senate.

Understanding the veto process is crucial in grasping the system of checks and balances inherent in the U.S. government. The President has the authority to veto legislation to ensure that the executive branch has a role in the legislative process, thereby providing a check on the powers of Congress. By allowing the President to veto bills, the framers of the Constitution intended to prevent hasty or ill-considered legislation from becoming law without thorough scrutiny.

The incorrect choices, while related to legislative processes, do not accurately describe a veto. The approval of a bill is a different action that indicates support rather than rejection. A congressional override represents a mechanism to counter a veto, and the signing of a bill into law is the final step in the legislative process, where the President accepts the bill rather than rejecting it. Each of these actions serves different functions within the legislative framework, but the veto specifically signifies disapproval.