A veto in a democracy is a formal power that allows a person or institution to reject a decision, block a law, or stop an action even if a majority supports it.
Here’s the clearest breakdown:
1. What a veto means
A veto (Latin for “I forbid”) is the ability to say “No, this cannot go forward.”
2. Who usually has veto power
Different democracies give veto power to different actors:
✔ Presidents or Prime Ministers
In many countries, the head of state can veto a bill passed by parliament or congress.
✔ Upper houses of parliament
Some bicameral systems let an upper chamber block a law temporarily or permanently.
✔ Courts
Constitutional courts can “veto” (strike down) laws that violate the constitution.
✔ Governors or mayors
In federal systems like the U.S., state governors or city mayors can veto laws passed locally.
3. Purpose of a veto
A veto exists to prevent the majority from making rash or harmful decisions.
It creates checks and balances to protect:
- minority rights
- constitutional rules
- long-term stability
- separation of powers
4. Can a veto be overridden?
Often yes.
In many democracies, the legislature can override the veto if enough members agree (e.g., a supermajority such as two-thirds).
This ensures that the veto is powerful, but not absolute.