Veto facts for kids
A veto is a special power that lets someone stop a decision or a new law from happening. It's like saying a big "no" that can't easily be changed.
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What is a Veto?
A veto gives a person or a group the power to block something. This could be a new rule, a plan, or a law. It means that even if many people agree on something, one person or group with veto power can stop it.
Veto Power in the USA
In the United States, the President of the United States has veto power. When the US Congress creates a new law, it's called a "bill." If the President doesn't agree with a bill, they can veto it. This stops the bill from becoming a law.
However, Congress can sometimes overrule the President's veto. To do this, a very large number of members in both parts of Congress (the House of Representatives and the Senate) must vote for the bill again. If enough members vote "yes," the bill becomes a law even without the President's approval.
Veto Power at the United Nations
The United Nations Security Council also uses veto power. This council is very important for keeping peace around the world. Five countries are permanent members of this council:
Each of these five countries has a veto. If any one of them votes "no" on a decision, that decision cannot pass. It doesn't matter if all the other countries vote "yes." This veto cannot be overturned. If they want to try again, they have to write a completely new decision.
The History of the Veto
The idea of a veto is very old. It started in ancient Rome. There were special leaders called tribunes. Their job was to protect the common people from unfair laws made by the Roman Senate. If the Senate made a law that was bad for the people, a tribune could use their veto power to stop it. This helped make sure the government didn't become too powerful.
Related pages
Images for kids
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US President Bill Clinton signing veto letters in 1993
See also
In Spanish: Veto para niños
