Legal Definitions - negative veto

A negative veto, also referred to as a qualified veto, describes the power held by an executive leader (such as a president or governor) to reject a bill that has been passed by the legislative body. This action is called "negative" because it prevents the proposed law from taking effect. However, it is "qualified" because the legislature typically has the ability to override the executive's veto if they can achieve a specific, higher-than-normal majority vote (often two-thirds) in both legislative chambers. This mechanism serves as an important check and balance, allowing the executive to voice strong objections while still enabling the legislature to pass laws with broad consensus.

• Example 1: Presidential Veto of a Federal Spending Bill

  Imagine the President of the United States receives a federal spending bill passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The President believes the bill allocates too much money to certain programs and decides to veto it. This act is a negative veto because it stops the bill from becoming law. However, if both the House and the Senate can subsequently vote with a two-thirds majority in favor of the bill, they can override the President's veto, and the bill will then become law despite the President's objection.

• Example 2: Governor's Veto of State Education Reform

  A state legislature passes a comprehensive education reform bill, but the Governor believes it contains unfunded mandates that will burden local school districts. The Governor exercises their power to veto the bill. This is a negative veto, as it prevents the education reform from being implemented. The state legislature can then attempt to gather the necessary supermajority (e.g., three-fifths or two-thirds, depending on state law) in both its chambers to override the Governor's veto and enact the reform.

• Example 3: Mayor's Veto of a City Zoning Change

  A city council votes to approve a new zoning ordinance that would allow for the construction of a large commercial complex in a residential area. The Mayor, concerned about the impact on neighborhood character and traffic, decides to veto the ordinance. This is a negative veto, as it blocks the council's decision. The city council might then hold another vote, requiring a higher majority (e.g., two-thirds or three-fourths of its members) to override the Mayor's veto and proceed with the zoning change.