What power allows the President to reject a bill?

• A. Veto
• B. Override
• C. Reconcile
• D. Sign

Answer: (A)

The power to reject a bill is the veto. After a bill passes both houses, the President can choose not to sign it and instead veto it, sending it back to Congress with objections. Congress can still make the bill law if both chambers override the veto with a two-thirds vote. This veto power acts as a check on the legislative branch, giving the President a say in which laws are enacted. If the President doesn’t sign and Congress has adjourned, a pocket veto can occur, and the bill dies. Signing would approve a bill, while overriding is what Congress does to try to enact a bill despite a veto, and reconciling isn’t the presidential rejection power.