What is needed to override a presidential veto?

To override a presidential veto, a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress is required. This procedure is established by Article I, Section 7 of the U.S. Constitution, which outlines the process for passing legislation and the powers of the President regarding vetoes.

This high threshold ensures that there is significant bipartisan support for the legislation, reflecting a broad consensus among legislators that the proposed law is essential despite the President's objections. Achieving a two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate is intentionally challenging and serves as a check on Congress, maintaining the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches.

The other options do not align with the constitutional requirement for overriding a veto. A simple majority in one house is insufficient to overcome a presidential veto, as it does not provide enough support from both chambers. A unanimous agreement in the Senate is not necessary and unrealistic for most legislation. Additionally, a three-fourths majority in state legislatures pertains to constitutional amendments, not the legislative process involving vetoes.