VETO

Abstract

This chapter describes the origin and notion of veto. Veto power is frequently provided for today, especially in the hands of a head of State vis-à-vis the legislature. Under the constitutional separation of powers, a bill passed by both houses of Congress must be presented to the President for signature. If the President objects to the bill, he may return it unsigned within 10 days. The bill can then become law only with approval on reconsideration by two-thirds majorities of both houses, which thereby act to override the veto. If a bill is not returned by the President within 10 days, it becomes law, unless the Congress has prevented the bill's return by adjourning, in which case the bill dies through what is known as a pocket veto. In cases of weighted voting, a veto power may result from a blocking minority, as in the case of Intelsat, where the Communication Satellite Corporation on the Board of Governors possesses 40 percent of the votes.