Definition

Noun: 1. An indirect veto of legislation by a head of state, typically a president or governor, by retaining an unsigned bill until the legislative session ends, thereby preventing it from becoming law without a formal veto and the possibility of an override. This method relies on the executive's inaction and the adjournment of the legislature.

Usage

• The term is used primarily in the context of U.S. federal and state politics to describe a specific executive action (or inaction) regarding passed legislation.
• It is a formal political and legal term.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The President exercised a pocket veto on the spending bill by not signing it before Congress adjourned.
  • A pocket veto is absolute because the legislature is not in session to attempt an override.

Advanced Usage

• Constitutional Mechanism: In the U.S., the pocket veto power is derived from Article I, Section 7 of the Constitution, which states that if the President does not sign a bill within 10 days (Sundays excepted) and Congress adjourns during that period, the bill does not become law. This is distinct from a "regular veto," which can be overridden by a two-thirds vote in both houses.
• Strategic Use: Executives may use a pocket veto to reject legislation without publicly issuing a veto message, avoiding a direct political confrontation.

Variants and Related Words

• Veto (n/v): The constitutional right to reject a decision or proposal made by a law-making body.
• Legislative adjournment (n): The formal dismissal of a legislative session, which is a necessary condition for a pocket veto.

Synonyms

• Indirect veto
• Passive veto (less common)

Antonyms

• Sign into law
• Formal/regular veto (which is direct and can be overridden)

Related Phrases

• "To pocket-veto a bill" (verb phrase, often hyphenated): The act of using a pocket veto.
  • The governor threatened to pocket-veto the bill if it reached his desk at the end of the session.

Noun

1. indirect veto of legislation by refusing to sign it