A pocket veto occurs when the President does what?

• A. Signs a bill into law
• B. Vetoes a bill within 10 days
• C. Allows the bill to become law automatically
• D. Does not sign a bill and Congress adjourns

Answer: (D)

A pocket veto happens when the President does not sign a bill and Congress has adjourned, so there’s no chance to return it with objections. Because the session is over, the bill cannot become law, and there’s no opportunity for Congress to override a veto. This is different from a regular veto, where the President withholds approval but Congress is still in session and could override with a two-thirds vote. It’s also not about letting the bill become law automatically, which would require the President not to act while Congress remains in session for the full ten days. In short, the bill dies because the President takes no action while Congress has adjourned.