America - political institution and decision making Flashcards
(8 cards)
Explain what veto power is
The veto is one of the most powerful tools a president has in their arsenal. It is where a president can stop a bill becoming a law. After congress has passed a bill it must be approved by the president. If it is, the president signs it and the law passes. If it is not approved, they veto it and the law fails.
Give an example of veto power
An example of a president using veto power is Brack Obama who vetoed several pieces of legislation passed by a republican congress designed to undercut or appeal the affordable care act (Obamacare). In 2019, congress twice passed laws attempting to end President Trumps national emergency. He vetoed both of these.
Give a positive evaluation of veto power
The veto allows the president to dominate decision-making in 2 ways. One is that it allows them to directly block any legislation they disagree with directly and the other is that congress is likely to pass legislation that they know the president is going to veto. This way the president can still control the legislation agenda, even though congress is controlled by two opposition parties.
Give a negative evaluation of veto power
The power of veto is limited by the fact that it can be ‘over ridden’. This way the president cannot completely block a piece of legislation if there is overwhelming support for it in congress. This happened in 2016, when President Barack Obama vetoed the ‘justice against sponsors of terror’ bill and was over ridden 97:1 in the senate and 348:77 in the house.
Explain what veto power is
The veto is one of the most powerful tools a president has in their arsenal. It is where a president can stop a bill becoming a law. After congress has passed a bill it must be approved by the president. If it is, the president signs it and the law passes. If it is not approved, they veto it and the law fails.
Give an example of veto power
An example of a president using veto power is Brack Obama who vetoed several pieces of legislation passed by a republican congress designed to undercut or appeal the affordable care act (Obamacare). In 2019, congress twice passed laws attempting to end President Trumps national emergency. He vetoed both of these.
Give a positive evaluation of veto power
The veto allows the president to dominate decision-making in 2 ways. One is that it allows them to directly block any legislation they disagree with directly and the other is that congress is likely to pass legislation that they know the president is going to veto. This way the president can still control the legislation agenda, even though congress is controlled by two opposition parties.
Give a negative evaluation of veto power
The power of veto is limited by the fact that it can be ‘over ridden’. This way the president cannot completely block a piece of legislation if there is overwhelming support for it in congress. This happened in 2016, when President Barack Obama vetoed the ‘justice against sponsors of terror’ bill and was over ridden 97:1 in the senate and 348:77 in the house.
