👩🏾‍⚖️ap us government review

Line-item veto

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

Authority allowing an executive to nullify particular spending provisions or provisions within an appropriations bill while leaving the rest of the statute intact, altering how budgetary choices can be implemented. A federal version enacted in 1996 was struck down by the Supreme Court in Clinton v. City of New York (1998) as inconsistent with the Article I presentment process, highlighting tensions with the Constitution’s separation of powers.

AP course connection

Topic 2.4: 2.4 Roles and Power of the President

Unit 2