
In the United States, the president can exercise veto power to prevent a bill passed by Congress from becoming law. This power is also held by state and territorial governors, and in some cases, mayors and county executives. In tribal governments, the Secretary of the Interior holds veto power over tribal legislation. The ability to veto varies across states, with some governors holding additional veto powers, including line-item, amendatory, and reduction vetoes. In the case of city laws, the mayor typically has the authority to approve or veto ordinances, resolutions, bylaws, or contracts passed by the city council. This veto power can be overridden by a two-thirds majority vote of the city council members.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can veto city laws? | The president, state governors, mayors, county executives, and tribal governments |
| Instances of veto overrides in state legislatures | Kansas lawmakers overrode Gov. Laura Kelly's (D) veto of a bill changing the deadline for returning mail-in ballots |
| North Carolina lawmakers overrode Gov. Roy Cooper's (D) veto of a bill regarding regulatory changes to the state's building code | |
| Vermont lawmakers overrode Gov. Phil Scott (R) veto on a bill regarding the establishment of an overdose prevention site in Burlington | |
| Wyoming lawmakers overrode Gov. Mark Gordon's (R) veto of a bill requiring an ultrasound before medication abortion | |
| Instances of veto overrides by state governors | In New York, counties adopting a charter may choose to have a county executive with or without veto power |
| Wisconsin granted a veto to county executives by constitutional amendment in 1962 | |
| California has a similar dynamic to Wisconsin, but only the consolidated city-county of San Francisco has an elected executive | |
| Iowa counties can adopt an elected-executive system with veto power, but none have done so | |
| The chairperson of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians has veto power, including over budgetary matters |
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What You'll Learn

The President of the United States can veto city laws
In the United States, the President has the power to veto a bill passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming a law. This power is not limited to federal laws but extends to city laws as well. When a bill is passed by both houses of Congress, it is presented to the President for approval. The President can choose to approve the bill and sign it into law or exercise their veto power and reject it.
The President's veto power serves as a crucial check and balance in the legislative process. It allows the President to carefully consider bills and ensure they align with the country's best interests. However, it is important to note that the President's veto power is not absolute, and Congress can override a presidential veto. If two-thirds of both the House and the Senate vote to override the veto, the bill will become a law despite the President's objections.
While the President can veto city laws, it is essential to recognize that the power to veto laws at the city level can also rest with other officials, depending on the specific city and state laws. For example, in some states, governors have veto power over city laws, and in certain cities, mayors or other local executives may have the authority to veto city laws. These officials play a crucial role in shaping the laws that directly impact the lives of residents within their jurisdictions.
The process of creating and approving city laws can vary across different cities in the United States. For instance, in New York City, the city council plays a vital role in crafting and passing local laws. The council works to create laws that govern the unique and diverse nature of the city. After a bill is passed by the council, it is presented to the Mayor, who has the power to veto it. This showcases how the legislative process at the city level can involve multiple layers of review and approval, ensuring that laws are thoroughly considered before being enacted.
In summary, the President of the United States can veto city laws, but this power is not exclusive to the President. Veto power is a crucial aspect of the legislative process, allowing for careful consideration and review of laws at various levels of government. The ability to veto city laws by the President or other authorized officials helps maintain a balance of power and protects the interests of citizens by ensuring that laws are thoroughly vetted before being enacted.
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State governors can also veto city laws
In the United States, the president can use the veto power to prevent a bill passed by Congress from becoming law. State governors also have the power to veto city laws. For example, in New York City, after a bill is passed by the Council, it is presented to the Mayor, who has 30 days to either sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
Similarly, North Carolina lawmakers overrode Governor Roy Cooper's veto of a bill regarding regulatory changes to the state's building code and the rights of property owners and federal housing vouchers. In Kansas, lawmakers overrode Governor Laura Kelly's veto of a bill changing the deadline for returning mail-in ballots and prohibiting gender transition treatments for minors.
In some states, governors have additional veto powers, including line-item, amendatory, and reduction vetoes. For instance, in Wyoming, lawmakers overrode Governor Mark Gordon's veto of a bill requiring an ultrasound before medication abortion. In Vermont, lawmakers overrode Governor Phil Scott's veto on a bill regarding the establishment of an overdose prevention site in Burlington and the state's property tax yields.
Mayors and county executives also possess veto power in some states. For instance, in Wisconsin, county executives have veto power, although as of 2020, this applies only to twelve counties with an adopted county executive form of government.
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Mayors have the power to veto city council ordinances
Mayors have the authority to veto city council ordinances. This means that they can prevent a bill from becoming a law by rejecting it. In Norfolk, Nebraska, for example, the mayor has seven calendar days to notify the city clerk of their intention to veto, who must then notify the city council in writing within 24 hours. The mayor's veto can be overridden if two-thirds of the city council members vote to pass the ordinance.
In Cleveland, Ohio, the mayor can veto ordinances passed by the council. The mayor also has a vote in the case of a tie in the votes of the councilmembers, except in the case of the passage of any ordinance, grant, or revocation of a franchise or license. The mayor also has the power to veto any item or items of any appropriation bill, and approve the remainder.
In New York City, the mayor has 30 days to either sign a bill into law, veto it, or take no action. The mayor's role in the legislative process is important, as they can provide recommendations for council consideration and action. They also prepare and submit a proposed budget to the council.
While mayors have the power to veto city council ordinances, their vetoes can be overridden by the city council or state legislature, as seen in several states, including North Carolina, Kansas, and Vermont. This highlights the checks and balances in the legislative process, where the mayor's power is balanced by the legislative body's ability to override their decision.
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County executives may have veto power
In the United States, the president can use the veto power to prevent a bill passed by Congress from becoming a law. Congress can override the veto by a two-thirds vote of both chambers. All state and territorial governors have a similar veto power, as do some mayors and county executives.
Wisconsin granted a veto to county executives by constitutional amendment in 1962, although as of 2020, this applies only to twelve counties that have adopted a county executive form of government. In California, elected county executives have a veto, but only the consolidated city-county of San Francisco has an elected executive with veto power.
Some states, such as Iowa since 1981, allow counties to adopt an elected-executive system with a veto power, but none have done so. The constitutions of many Native American tribes also contain an executive veto power over bills passed by the tribal council. For example, the chairperson of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians has veto power, including over budgetary matters.
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Tribal governments can veto tribal council laws
Tribal sovereignty in the United States is dependent on and subordinate to only the federal government, not the states. Tribal governments are sovereign over tribal members and tribal lands. Tribal sovereignty was affirmed in 1934 with the Indian Reorganization Act, which allowed Indian nations to select from a catalogue of constitutional documents that enumerated powers for tribes and tribal councils.
The BIA provides support to Tribal governments, including research and preparation of Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) forms, review of Tribal resolutions, liquor ordinances, and proposed governing documents requiring action by BIA line officials. BIA employees work with tribal governments in the administration of law enforcement and justice, agricultural and economic development, and more. Tribal Government Services promotes the sovereignty of federally recognized tribes by supporting and assisting Indian tribes in the development and maintenance of strong and stable tribal governments.
In 2021, President Biden issued Executive Order 14053, which aims to improve the coordination of federal agencies' work with tribes to improve public safety in tribal communities. In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta, which drastically altered the status quo by holding that the federal government and states have concurrent jurisdiction over crimes committed by non-Indians against Indians in Indian country.
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Frequently asked questions
In the United States, the president can use the veto power to prevent a bill passed by Congress from becoming a law. State and territorial governors also have similar veto powers, as do some mayors and county executives.
Yes, in some states, county executives have veto powers. For example, in California, elected county executives have a veto, but only in the consolidated city-county of San Francisco.
Yes, a veto can be overridden by a two-thirds vote of both chambers of Congress.











































