According to the principle of checks and balances, which branch of government can veto legislation?

The principle of checks and balances is a foundational concept in the structure of the U.S. government, designed to ensure that no single branch becomes too powerful. Among the three branches of government—Legislative, Executive, and Judicial—the Executive branch is responsible for enforcing laws and has the authority to veto legislation passed by the Legislative branch.

When the President, who heads the Executive branch, vetoes a bill, it is a form of checking the power of the Legislative branch, which is responsible for creating laws. This action compels Congress to reconsider the legislation, thus maintaining a balance of power. Should Congress wish to override the veto, they mustsecure a two-thirds majority in both houses, which further illustrates the system of checks and balances designed to prevent any one branch from exerting too much control.

In contrast, the Legislative branch creates laws and the Judicial branch interprets laws but does not have the authority to veto legislation. This distinctive role of the Executive branch in the legislative process underlines the importance of checks and balances in U.S. governance.