How can Congress override a presidential veto?

Study for the High School Constitution Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Congress can override a presidential veto by obtaining a two-thirds vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This requirement is established by Article I, Section 7 of the U.S. Constitution, which outlines the legislative process, including the procedure for a presidential veto.

When the President vetoes a bill, it is returned to Congress with the President's objections. For the bill to become law despite the veto, a significant consensus is needed, which is reflected in the two-thirds vote requirement. This threshold ensures that the decision to override a presidential veto reflects a strong bipartisan agreement, highlighting the importance of collaboration between both chambers of Congress.

The other options propose less stringent criteria or involve processes that do not align with how legislative powers are defined in the Constitution. For instance, a simple majority would not provide the necessary support to challenge the President’s authority effectively, while a unanimous vote in the Senate is an unrealistic standard that would be almost impossible to achieve due to the diverse opinions in Congress. Additionally, an executive order from the Vice President does not exist in this context as the Vice President does not hold the authority to initiate or approve legislation independently.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy