Who does not possess line-item veto authority?

The U.S. President does not possess line-item veto authority. The line-item veto allows a Chief Executive, such as a governor, to reject specific items or provisions in a bill without having to veto the entire legislative package. Most state governors have this authority, which enables them to manage budgetary decisions more effectively and prevent unwanted expenditures.

In the case of U.S. Presidents, however, the Supreme Court ruled in 1998 that the line-item veto is unconstitutional. The separation of powers outlined in the Constitution does not allow the President to selectively cancel provisions of legislation passed by Congress. Instead, when the President vetoes a bill, the entire legislation is rejected, and Congress must either revise the bill or attempt to override the veto in its entirety. This unique limitation on presidential authority emphasizes the checks and balances inherent in the federal government system.

While mayors and state legislators may have some varying degree of authority regarding budgetary matters, it is the President's constitutional restrictions that clearly mark the absence of line-item veto power at the federal level.