How has the use of the veto power changed in recent presidencies?
Critical Analysis
Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, your big brain, the information provided and any links below:
Since the founding of the federal government in 1789, 38 of 45 Presidents have exercised their veto authority a total of 2,576 times. Congress has overridden these vetoes on 111 occasions (4.3%). Presidents have vetoed 83 appropriations bills, and Congress has overridden 12 (14.5%) of these vetoes. According to the visual above, which president issued the most vetoes?
The word "veto" comes from the Latin word vetō, which means "I forbid". The first known use of the word "veto" was in 1629. According to the visual above, before the current president, what was the lowest number of vetoes by any president?
Based on the visual above describe the general trend in the number of vetoes over the most recent presidential administrations.
What do you think explains that trend?
The veto power vested in the President by Article I, Section 7 of the Constitution has proven to be an effective tool in the executive branch’s dealings with Congress. In order for a bill to become law, the President either signs the bill into law, or the President allows the bill to become law without signature after a 10-day period. How does the veto power and the veto override power illustrate the concept of checks and balances?
Regular vetoes occur when the President refuses to sign a bill and returns the bill complete with objections to Congress within 10 days. Upon receipt of the rejected bill, Congress is able to begin the veto override process, which requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in both chambers in order for the bill to become law. Pocket vetoes occur when the President receives a bill but is unable to reject and return the bill to an adjourned Congress within the 10-day period. The bill, though lacking a signature and formal objections, does not become law. Why do you think the framers required that a veto override consist of a vote of at least 2/3 of Congress?
A pocket veto is a way for a president to block a bill from becoming law by not signing it within a specified time frame. This happens when Congress passes a bill, sends it to the president, and then adjourns before the president has had time to sign the bill. If, after congress has adjourned, the president does not sign the bill, the bill dies and this is called a pocket veto. Congress can't override a pocket veto. According to the visual above, what president issued the most pocket vetoes?
President Biden did not issue a single veto in the first two years of his term. In the second two years he issued 13 vetoes. Based on the party control of congress as illustrated in the visual below* explain why all Biden’s vetoes came in the later half of his term.
Congress makes policy with laws. The President makes policy with executive orders. Does congress have a “veto” power or power to stop a presidential executive order?
In Federalist No. 51, James Madison wrote the following:
“Ambition must be made to counteract ambition”.
“the constant aim is to divide and arrange the several offices in such a manner as that each may be a check on the other.”
How do you think Madison’s view of government and power is illustrated in the veto power?
Write and Discuss
Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.
Act on your Learning
Call the U.S. House switchboard operator (202) 224-3121, ask to speak with your U.S. House Representative, and ask them how much vetoes impact their lawmaking duties.
Get Creative
I asked AI to write a gangsta rap about vetoes. Your job is to title the rap that follows and identify the best rapper to rap it:
Yo, check it out, I'm here to spit some truth,
'Bout the presidential veto, and how it stops laws in their youth.
Congress pass a bill, think it's all good,
But the President ain't feelin' it, says it ain't understood.
He takes out his pen, with a mighty stroke,
Vetoes that bill, and puts it up in smoke.
Congress can override, but it ain't easy,
Need two-thirds majority, that's the way it be.
So if you're tryna pass a law, and you think it's tight,
Make sure the President's on board, or he'll veto with all his might.
Word.Learning Extension*
Check out the Congressional procedures on veto
Veto Override Procedure in the House and Senate (CRS) (PDF)
Regular Vetoes and Pocket Vetoes: An Overview (CRS) (PDF)
And look Up Presidential Vetoes
Unified Government or party government cells are highlighted in green
*As of November 15, 2024
