What must Congress do to override a presidential veto?

• A. Achieve a simple majority in both houses
• B. Achieve a unanimous vote
• C. Achieve a two-thirds majority vote in both houses
• D. Do nothing, as all vetoes are final

Answer: (C)

To override a presidential veto, Congress must achieve a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This high threshold reflects the intent of the framers of the Constitution to ensure that a significant consensus is necessary to override the President's decision on legislation.

The requirement for a two-thirds majority indicates that Congress must demonstrate substantial bipartisan support for the legislation, emphasizing the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches. This constitutional mechanism is designed to prevent Congress from easily overriding a presidential veto, ensuring that the President has substantial authority in legislative matters.

Other options suggest either a simple majority or some form of unanimous agreement, neither of which aligns with the constitutional requirement. The assertion that vetoes are final is incorrect, as the Constitution specifically provides a process for Congress to challenge and potentially overturn a presidential veto.