Definition
When a legislature musters a supermajority (typically two-thirds) to enact legislation despite executive veto, proving that someone can tell the boss no. It's rare, dramatic, and politically awkward.
Example Usage
Congress delivered a rare veto override, passing the defense bill with 81-13 in the Senate despite presidential objections.
Origin
Constitutional mechanism in the U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 7) and similar provisions in other republican systems.
Fun Fact
Presidential vetoes are overridden less than 7% of the time historically, but the threat of override often forces presidents to negotiate rather than veto.
Source: Constitutional procedure terminology
Related Terms
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