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How Does The Presidential Veto Work?

The President can say "No!" to a law that Congress passes, like refusing a toy you don’t want.

Like Refusing a Toy

Imagine you and your friends vote on what game to play at recess, but the principal (who’s like the President) says "I don't like this game, I'm going to stop it!" That's a veto. The law is like the game, the president can say "No!" to it.

But Congress Can Try Again

Sometimes your friends (Congress) can ask the principal again, or even get more friends to join in. If they do that and still win the vote, the principal has to let the game happen, just like the law passes even after a veto. The President can say "No!" to a law that Congress passes, like refusing a toy you don’t want.

Like Refusing a Toy

Imagine you and your friends vote on what game to play at recess, but the principal (who’s like the President) says "I don't like this game, I'm going to stop it!" That's a veto. The law is like the game, the president can say "No!" to it.

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Examples

  1. A President uses the veto to stop a bill passed by Congress from becoming law.
  2. The President can refuse to sign a new tax law, blocking it from taking effect.
  3. If the President vetoes a bill, Congress may try to pass it again with more votes.

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Categories: Science · veto· president· lawmaking