What is a consequence if Congress is not in session for ten days after a president does not sign a bill?

What is a consequence if Congress is not in session for ten days after a president does not sign a bill?

• A. The bill becomes law automatically
• B. The bill does not become law
• C. The bill is returned to committee
• D. The bill is revised and sent back

Answer: (B)

When Congress is not in session for ten days after a president chooses not to sign a bill, the bill does not become law. This situation is outlined in the United States Constitution, specifically in Article I, Section 7. If a bill is presented to the president and the president does not sign it and Congress is adjourned, the bill is effectively "pocket-vetoed." This means that the bill is neither signed into law nor explicitly rejected, but it expires due to the inaction of the president while Congress is not available to reconsider it. This mechanism serves as a check on presidential power, ensuring that if the legislative body is not in session to address the bill, the president has the authority to prevent its passage without having to take an affirmative action of vetoing it. Therefore, since the bill cannot become law under these circumstances, the correct answer reflects this constitutional provision.

When Congress is not in session for ten days after a president chooses not to sign a bill, the bill does not become law. This situation is outlined in the United States Constitution, specifically in Article I, Section 7. If a bill is presented to the president and the president does not sign it and Congress is adjourned, the bill is effectively "pocket-vetoed." This means that the bill is neither signed into law nor explicitly rejected, but it expires due to the inaction of the president while Congress is not available to reconsider it.

This mechanism serves as a check on presidential power, ensuring that if the legislative body is not in session to address the bill, the president has the authority to prevent its passage without having to take an affirmative action of vetoing it. Therefore, since the bill cannot become law under these circumstances, the correct answer reflects this constitutional provision.