Veto power allows a member of a government or organization to reverse a proposed measure, ensuring power is shared. It dates back to Roman times and is often used in legislation. In the US, the president can veto a bill, but Congress can override it with a two-thirds vote. The UN Security Council also has veto power.
Veto is a concept in the constitution of many governments and organizations. Essentially, it allows a member of a government or group to reverse a proposed measure. It is most often used in the context of legislation, but power can also be found in governing boards and even within the United Nations. In many cases, veto power is an example of a system of checks and balances that ensures the sharing of power among members of the government.
In Latin, the word means “forbidden” and the concept dates back to Roman times. Power ensures that no branch of a government gets too strong, because another branch can overrule its decisions. Usually, the terms of this power are clearly set out in a government document, to ensure that the power is not abused.
One of the best known examples is found in the United States. Bill starts in Congress, and if a bill passes both the House and the Senate, it is sent to the president for approval. The president has 10 days to review the bill. If he does nothing, the bill automatically becomes law. The president can also sign a bill into law, indicating approval, as is done with major legislation. In other cases, he can “veto” the bill, indicating that it did not pass, and the bill is sent back to Congress.
If Congress disagrees with the veto, a two-thirds vote can override it. This ensures that a president cannot arbitrarily kill legislation. If the veto is not lifted, the bill is rewritten and reproposed. Usually, a president gives reasons for not passing the bill when returning it to Congress, so it can be rewritten effectively. A related concept, the “pocket veto,” occurs when Congress adjourns before the 10-day period has passed. If the president does nothing, the bill doesn’t become law.
Members of the United Nations Security Council also have veto power, ensuring that the balance of power is better shared among member countries. Many other governments around the world have adopted the concept, as have some businesses. In all of these cases, a veto may simply delay the inevitable, but it triggers arguments and negotiations, which can make a tough rule more palatable to all parties.
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