What are "pocket vetoes"?

The concept of a "pocket veto" refers specifically to a tactic utilized by the President of the United States to effectively veto a bill without issuing a formal rejection. This occurs when the President chooses not to sign the legislation into law and does not take any action on it for a period of ten days, during which Congress is adjourned. Since Congress is not in session to potentially override this inaction, the bill fails to become law automatically. This mechanism allows the President to exercise some control over legislation without engaging in an overt veto, thus preserving the opportunity to allow certain bills to lapse without the risk of political backlash associated with a direct veto.

Understanding this mechanism is crucial for grasping how the presidential veto power functions, especially regarding interactions with Congress. A pocket veto is particularly significant because it illustrates the President's ability to impede legislation indirectly, utilizing the procedural framework established by the Constitution.