Who has the authority to veto legislation passed by Congress?

The authority to veto legislation passed by Congress resides with the President of the United States. This power is granted in Article I, Section 7 of the U.S. Constitution, which outlines the legislative process. Upon receiving a bill from Congress, the President has several options: they can sign the bill into law, allow it to become law without their signature by not returning it, or veto it, thereby rejecting it.

When a bill is vetoed, the President sends it back to Congress with their objections. Congress can then attempt to override the veto by a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This demonstrates a system of checks and balances, ensuring that the legislative branch cannot unilaterally enact laws without the approval of the executive branch. The other choices listed do not hold the veto power, making the President the correct answer as the sole entity with this legislative authority.