SEPARATION OF POWERS

Question 1

Bicameralism

Answer 1

To pass a law, Congress must use bicameralism (passage of a bill by both houses of Congress) followed by presentment to the President for signature or veto.

Question 2

No Line Item Vetoes

Answer 2

The requirements of bicameralism and presentment mean that Congress cannot give the President a line item veto power—that is, giving the President the power to cancel parts of a bill while approving others is an unconstitutional delegation of legislative power.

Question 3

No Legislative Vetoes

Answer 3

Congress can’t retain a legislative veto, which is when Congress gives itself the authority to amend or repeal an existing law without undergoing bicameralism and presentment.