Bills can be vetoed primarily by the executive branch officials who have the legal authority to reject legislation passed by the legislative branch. In the United States:
- At the federal level, the President has the power to veto bills passed by Congress, preventing them from becoming law unless Congress overrides the veto with a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate
- At the state level, all 50 state governors have veto power over bills passed by their state legislatures. Governors may also have additional veto powers such as line-item vetoes, amendatory vetoes, and reduction vetoes, depending on the state
- Some mayors and county executives also possess veto authority in their jurisdictions
- Additionally, in 17 states, citizens can exercise a veto power through a veto referendum, which allows them to reject laws passed by the legislature by collecting signatures to force a statewide vote on the law
In summary, bills are vetoed by the President at the federal level, by governors at the state level, and in some cases by other executive officials such as mayors or county executives. Citizens in some states also have a form of veto power through referendum processes
