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The veto is a President's Constitutional right, given to him by the drafters of the Constitution because they wanted it as a check against irresponsible Congressional action. The veto forces Congress to take another look at legislation that has been passed. I think this is a responsible tool for a president of the United States, and I have sought to use it responsibly.

Gerald Ford#26

PoliticsLawConstitution

About this quote

What does it mean?
Ford defends the presidential veto as a constitutional check to ensure responsible legislation and congressional accountability.
In plain terms
The veto power helps stop bad laws and forces Congress to reconsider.
What can you take from it?
Veto power ensures checks and balances in lawmaking.

Where it applies

  • lawmaking
  • executive-legislative relations

Putting it to work

  • legislative oversight
  • policy review

Questions to consider

  • How do checks and balances work?
  • When should a veto be used?

Another view

Overuse of veto can stall governance.

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