Lesson Plan: The Use of Presidential Vetoes and Veto Threats

Rep. Tom Cole on the Legislative Process

During the January, 2019 government shutdown, Representative Tom Cole (R-OK) explained the legislative process and the roles that the House of Representatives, Senate and President play in creating laws.

Description

In the legislative process, the president has the power to veto bills that he or she does not support. This lesson has student look at the legislative process and examine the role that vetoes, and threats of vetoes play in how a bill becomes a law. This lesson can be viewed in a traditional classroom or adapted to classroom using one-to-one designs or flipped models.

Procedures

  • WARM-UP:

    To begin class, have the students answer the following question. Review the students' responses to correct any misconceptions before continuing with the lesson.

    • What is the role of the legislative and executive branches in the lawmaking process?
  • INTRODUCTION:

    Either as a class or individually, have the students view the following two video clips and answer the questions for each. Review the students' answers and address any misunderstandings about the legislative process before moving to the next step.

  • VIDEO CLIP: Rep. Tom Cole on the Legislative Process (2:09)

    • Using Representative Cole's example, describe how the legislative process works.

    • What role does the House and the Senate play in the lawmaking process?

    • What two options does the president have in this process?

    • How does the veto and veto override process work?

    • Based on this example, how can this process force compromise and collaboration?
  • VIDEO CLIP: Sen. Cornyn (R-TX) on Veto Threats

    • What is meant by a veto threat?

    • How do you think veto threats can influence Congress and legislation?
  • BRAINSTORM ACTIVITY:

    In partners or small groups, have the students brainstorm situations and reasons why presidents might threaten a veto or veto bills passed by Congress. Review their ideas before moving on to the next step. Have them consider the following factors when brainstorming:

    • Upcoming elections

    • Party control of Congress

    • Influence of public opinion

    • Specific types of laws

    • Controversial issues
  • EXPLORATION:

    Have the students view the following examples of presidents vetoing bills passed by Congress. While viewing their explanations, have them use the handout linked below to take notes. Students should keep in mind the guiding question: In what situations have presidents used vetoes?

    Handout: Veto Note Taking Chart (Google Doc)

    Teachers can adjust this activity and assign individual students different clips and present their summaries and explanations to the class.

  • CONCLUSION:

    Have the students respond to the following prompt either through a class discussion or a written response using examples from the videos.

    • In what ways can the president use the power of the veto to accomplish his/her policy goals and execute the duties of the presidency?
  • EXTENSION ACTIVITIES:

    Presidential Veto Research- Using the U.S. Senate Summary of Bill Vetoed, 1789 choose a presidential veto from the website. Research and provide the following:

    • Subject of the Veto

    • Date of the Veto

    • Summary of the Bill

    • Summary of the Veto Message

    • Final Status of the Bill
  • Presidential Comparisons- Using the U.S. Senate Summary of Bills Vetoed, 1789 choose two presidents that served similar lengths of time in office. Compare the number of vetoes each president issued. Research the president and Congress during those periods and write an explanation of why those similarities and differences exist.

  • Additional Prompts:

    • What are the advantages and disadvantages of presidents using their veto power?

    • Why do presidents issue veto threats while bills are being debated in Congress?

    • How is the veto an example of checks and valances?

    • How have presidents used vetoes to influence legislation?

    • What influences a president's decision to veto a bill?

    • Is the standard needed to override a veto too high? Explain your answer.

Additional Resources

Vocabulary

  • Appropriations
  • Bipartisan
  • Budget
  • Conference
  • Continuing Resolution
  • Deficit
  • House Of Representatives
  • Legislation
  • Majority
  • Override
  • Senate
  • Surplus
  • Veto

Topics

Executive BranchLegislative Branch

Grades

Middle SchoolHigh SchoolUniversity