From NCERTAsked by Anonymous from Dallas, United States24 Oct 2026, 4:50 AM ISTUpdated
In one line
Veto power means the right to stop a decision or law from being passed, even if others agree.
United Nations Security Council — United Nations members responsible for drafting The United Nations Security Council, where five countries have veto power. Image: Wikipedia
The rule
Veto power is the authority given to a person or group to reject or block a decision, proposal, or law, even if everyone else supports it.
Let's understand it simply
Imagine you and your friends are deciding what game to play. If one friend has a special right to say "No" and stop the group from playing a game, that is like veto power. Even if everyone else says "Yes," the game cannot happen if this friend uses their veto.
In big meetings or governments, some people or countries have this special right. It is a way to make sure that important decisions cannot happen unless certain powerful members agree.
How it works
A group discusses and votes on a decision or law.
Most members may agree and vote "Yes."
If a member with veto power disagrees, they can say "No."
Their "No" stops the decision, even if everyone else said "Yes."
The proposal is blocked or rejected because of the veto.
How Veto Power Works
A group votes on a decision.
Most say 'Yes.'
A member with veto power says 'No.'
The decision is stopped.
The story behind it
The idea of veto power has been used for a long time. In ancient Rome, officials called "tribunes" could veto laws to protect the common people. Today, the most famous use is in the United Nations Security Council. After World War II, the five main winning countries (USA, UK, France, Russia, China) were given veto power to make sure big decisions had their agreement.
Where you see it in real life
United Nations Security Council: The five permanent members can veto any important decision. If one says "No," the action does not happen.
Indian President: The President of India can send a bill back to Parliament for reconsideration (suspensive veto).
School committees: Sometimes, a principal has the right to stop a student council decision.
Family decisions: In some families, parents have the final say and can stop a plan, even if all children agree.
Why it matters
Prevents unfair decisions: Stops actions that might harm powerful or important members.
Protects interests: Gives certain members a way to protect their country's or group's interests.
Encourages discussion: Forces everyone to find solutions that most can agree on.
Used in world politics: Understanding veto power helps you follow international news and exams on global politics.
Common mistakes
Thinking veto means "changing" a decision. It only means stopping or blocking it.
Believing everyone has veto power. Usually, only special members or leaders have it.
Confusing veto with voting "No." A normal "No" vote does not stop a decision if the majority says "Yes." Veto is a special power.
Remember it
Veto power means one "No" can stop everyone else's "Yes."
Check yourself
Who has veto power in the United Nations Security Council?
The five permanent members: USA, UK, France, Russia, and China.
Why is veto power important in decision-making?
It protects the interests of powerful members and prevents unfair decisions.
Does a normal 'No' vote count as a veto? Why or why not?
No, only a special veto power can block a decision even if most agree.
Quick recap
Veto power lets one person or group block a decision.
It is used in the UN Security Council by five permanent members.
Veto does not mean changing a decision, only stopping it.
Not everyone has veto power—only special members.
Veto power protects important interests and forces compromise.
