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From President Jackson, the country has first learned the true
theory and practical intent of the Constitution, in giving to the
Executive a qualified negative on the legislative power of Congress.
Far from being an odious, dangerous, or kingly prerogative, this
power, as vested in the President, is nothing but a qualified copy of the
famous veto power vested in the tribunes of the people among the
Romans, and intended to suspend the passage of a law until the people
themselves should have time to consider it. The qualified veto of the
President destroys nothing; it only delays the passage of a law, and
refers it to the people for their consideration and decision. It is the
reference of a law, not to a committee of the House, or of the whole
House, but to the committee of the whole Union. It is a recommitment
of the bill to the people, for them to examine and consider; and if, upon
this examination, they are content to pass it, it will pass at the next
session. The delay of a few months is the only effect of a veto, in a
case where the people shall ultimately approve a law; where they do
not approve it, the interposition of the veto is the barrier which saves
them the adoption of a law, the repeal of which might afterward be
almost impossible.
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