Which mechanism allows Congress to overturn rules proposed by executive agencies, though it was struck down in 1983?

• A. Reapportionment
• B. Open rule
• C. Legislative veto
• D. Pocket veto

Answer: (C)

The mechanism being tested is the legislative veto—the idea that Congress could overturn rules issued by executive agencies with a simple vote or joint resolution, without needing the president’s signature. This tool allowed Congress to countermand an agency’s rule after it was proposed or issued, effectively stopping the rule through legislative action.

However, in 1983 the Supreme Court ruled that such veto provisions are unconstitutional because they bypass constitutional requirements of presentment and bicameralism. In Immigration and Naturalization Service v. Chadha, the Court held that allowing one house or a small legislative maneuver to invalidate executive actions without going through the full legislative process violates the separation of powers.

That’s why this mechanism is highlighted as being struck down. The other terms don’t fit this idea: reapportionment concerns redrawing electoral districts; an open rule is a House floor procedure about allowing amendments; a pocket veto is the president’s way of killing legislation by taking no action when Congress is adjourned.