the proper authority of the executive
from the encroachments of the congress, and to interpose a stay on hasty
legislation.

[3] The veto of the Roman Tribune was final, as is that of almost every
European sovereign today. _But no British king or queen has vetoed an act
of Parliament in the last hundred and eighty years._ In Norway, if a bill,
vetoed by the king, passes three successive Storthings, it becomes a law.

[4] To secure a permanent record for future reference. This helps to
render members careful how they vote.

[5] This gives due time for consideration, but prevents the president's
killing a bill by ignoring or neglecting it.

[6] Thus congress (which has the very human failing of "putting off" or
postponing) cannot break down the veto power of the president, by pouring
an avalanche of bills upon him within the last few days of the session.

But the president can easily kill any bill which he does not like, if it
is presented within ten days of the adjournment of congress, simply by
keeping it. This is called "pocketing" a bill, or "the pocket veto."

_Clause 3.--Joint Resolutions._

_Every order, resolution, or vote to which the concurrence of the Senate
and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of
adjournment), shall be presented to the president of the United States;
and before the same shall take effect, shall be approved by him, or, being
disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two-thirds of the Senate and
House of Representatives, according to the rules and limitations
prescribed in the case of a bill._

The purpose of this provision is to prevent congress from passing a law
under some other name.

The resolution to adjourn is excepted, because, as we have seen, the time
for adjournment is generally a matter of agreement between the houses.

A resolution passed by the two houses, but not intended to have the force
of law, such as an agreement to do something, is called a concurrent
resolution, and does not require the president's signature.

_Pertinent Questions._

What is a "bill?" What is meant by entering the objections "at large?" Why
is there no committee of ways and means in the Senate?

How many members in each house does it take for the first passage of a
bill? How many after the president's veto? Does the expression two-thirds
refer to the entire number in a house, or to the number voting?

State three ways in which a bill may become a law. Five ways