What happens if a President does not sign a bill within ten days while Congress is in session?

When a President does not sign a bill within ten days while Congress is in session, the bill automatically becomes law. This is based on the procedure outlined in the U.S. Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 7. The intent behind this provision is to ensure that legislation can proceed without being indefinitely stalled by the executive branch.

If Congress is in session and the President takes no action, the bill is effectively passed into law as a means of avoiding potential deadlock. This is an important check on presidential power, ensuring that the legislative branch can still function and enact laws even if there are disagreements with the executive.

In contrast, if the President were to explicitly veto the bill, it would be returned to Congress, and they would have the opportunity to either amend it or attempt to override the veto with a two-thirds majority in both houses. If the President were to do nothing while Congress is adjourned, the bill would not become law; this is known as a pocket veto, which is a distinct situation. Understanding these nuances helps clarify the roles and limitations of both the legislative and executive branches in the law-making process.