What is the purpose of a veto?

• A. To speed up lawmaking
• B. To prevent a bill from becoming law unless revised and approved by Congress
• C. To increase the budget
• D. To approve a bill

Answer: (B)

The veto is the president’s power to reject a bill passed by Congress, acting as a check on the legislative branch. When the president vetoes, the bill doesn’t become law unless Congress revises it and then passes it again, usually with a two-thirds majority in both houses to override the veto. This mechanism helps ensure that laws reflect a broader consensus and gives the executive branch a voice in shaping legislation. It’s not about speeding up lawmaking, increasing the budget, or simply approving a bill; it’s about blocking a bill and prompting reconsideration or modification.