What is the "line-item veto"?

The line-item veto refers specifically to the authority of an executive, such as a president or governor, to veto individual provisions or items within a legislative bill while still approving the rest of the bill. This power enables the executive to eliminate specific expenditures or provisions that they disagree with, without rejecting the entire piece of legislation.

This ability is particularly significant because it allows for more nuanced control over the budget and legislative content, all while maintaining the overall structure of the bill. For example, if a budget bill includes funding for various projects, the executive could remove funding for a specific project that they find objectionable without discarding the entire budget.

Other options are not accurate in describing the line-item veto. Vetoing entire bills refers to a more traditional veto power that does not allow for selective approval or disapproval of specific provisions. Amending legislation before signing is not part of veto authority; it's a separate legislative process that typically involves negotiation and agreement rather than a unilateral action by the executive. Lastly, while some state legislatures grant a line-item veto, the term itself is not limited to state legislation; it applies broadly to any executive's authority in such matters at various levels of government.