Who has the authority to veto bills in the United States?

The President has the authority to veto bills in the United States. This power is established in Article I, Section 7 of the U.S. Constitution. When Congress passes a bill, it is sent to the President, who can either sign it into law or veto it, meaning he rejects the bill. This veto power is a significant check on legislative authority, allowing the President to prevent the enactment of legislation he disagrees with.

If a bill is vetoed, Congress can attempt to override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, but this is often challenging. The veto power ensures that the President has a role in the legislative process and can influence or shape legislation according to their policy preferences.

The other options do not possess veto authority; the Vice President primarily serves as President of the Senate and can cast tie-breaking votes, the Chief Justice leads the judicial branch and oversees the Supreme Court, and the Secretary of State manages foreign affairs and diplomatic relations, but none have the power to veto legislation.