Can veto power be removed or limited?

In one line

The rule

Veto power is the special right given to a person or group to reject or stop a decision, even if everyone else agrees.

There is no single formula, but in the United Nations Security Council, for example: A decision on substantive matters requires 9 out of 15 votes, including the agreement of all 5 permanent members (P5).

Let's understand it simply

Imagine you and four friends (total 5) are deciding what movie to watch. You all vote, but one friend has a special rule: if they say “No,” the group cannot watch that movie, even if everyone else says “Yes.” This is veto power (the power to stop a decision).

Now, if the group agrees to change the rule, or if most people feel it is unfair, they can decide to remove or limit this special power. But everyone, including the friend with the veto, must agree to change the rule. That’s why it’s hard, but not impossible.

How it works

1. Veto power is given by rules or agreements: For example, in the UN Security Council, the five permanent members (P5) have veto power because the UN Charter says so.
2. To remove or limit it, the rules must be changed: This usually needs a special process, like amending (changing) the constitution or the founding document.
3. All or most members must agree: In most cases, especially in the UN, even those with veto power must agree to give it up or limit it.
4. Sometimes, limits are added: For example, some countries or organizations add rules so that veto cannot be used in certain cases (like stopping action against genocide).
5. If agreement is reached, the veto can be removed or limited: But this is rare because those with veto power usually do not want to lose it.

The story behind it

The idea of veto power is old. In ancient Rome, tribunes could stop laws by saying “veto.” In modern times, the most famous use is in the United Nations Security Council, created after World War II in 1945. The five main winners of the war (USA, UK, France, Russia, China) got permanent seats and veto power to make sure they stayed involved and did not fight again. Many countries have tried to change this, but the P5 have always blocked it.

Where you see it in real life

• United Nations Security Council: Any of the P5 can stop a resolution, even if all other countries agree.
• Indian President’s veto: The President can send a bill back to Parliament, but Parliament can pass it again. This is a limited veto.
• Company board meetings: Sometimes, a major shareholder has veto power over big decisions.
• Housing societies: Some societies require all members to agree before making a big change, giving each member a type of veto.
• Family decisions: In some families, elders have the final say and can stop a decision.
• Student councils: Sometimes, the principal has veto power over student council decisions.

Why it matters

• Prevents abuse of power: Veto power can stop bad decisions, but if unlimited, it can block good ones too.
• Protects minority interests: It can help smaller groups or powerful members protect their interests.
• Can cause deadlock: If used too much, nothing gets done.
• Changing or removing veto power is a big issue in world politics: Many countries want to reform the UN Security Council to be more fair.

Common mistakes

• Thinking veto power is permanent: It can be changed if the rules are changed, but it is very hard.
• Believing only one type exists: There are different types (absolute, suspensive, pocket veto) and different rules in different places.
• Assuming veto always means total stop: Sometimes, a veto only delays a decision or can be overridden by a bigger majority.
• Forgetting the need for agreement: Removing or limiting veto power usually needs the agreement of those who have it.

Remember it

Veto power is strong, but not unbreakable—changing it needs agreement from those who have it.