What is required to override a presidential veto?

• A. A simple majority in the Senate
• B. A unanimous vote in both houses of Congress
• C. A two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress
• D. A two-thirds vote in the Senate only

Answer: (C)

To override a presidential veto, a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress is required. This process is established in Article I, Section 7 of the U.S. Constitution, which specifies that if the President vetoes legislation, Congress can still enact that legislation by achieving a two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This high threshold ensures that overriding a veto is a significant legislative challenge, requiring broader consensus to proceed against the President's objection. Therefore, the requirement for a two-thirds majority in both chambers emphasizes the balance of power within the federal government, illustrating the checks and balances integral to the U.S. Constitution.