Who has the authority to veto bills?

The President has the authority to veto bills, which is a significant power within the legislative process. This authority allows the President to reject legislation passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming law unless Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This system of checks and balances is crucial because it ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful.

While Congress is responsible for creating and passing legislation, it does not have the power to veto its own bills. The Supreme Court interprets laws but does not have the authority to veto them. Similarly, the Secretary of State, who is a member of the President's Cabinet and responsible for foreign affairs, does not have the power to veto bills. This clear delineation of powers is fundamental to the functioning of the U.S. government, reinforcing the role of the President in the legislative process through the veto power.