What is the required majority for Congress to override a presidential veto?

The requirement for Congress to override a presidential veto is indeed a two-thirds vote in both houses. This constitutional provision is outlined in Article I, Section 7 of the U.S. Constitution, which states that if the President disapproves of a bill, he can veto it, but Congress can counter this by passing the bill again with a supermajority.

This threshold of two-thirds ensures that a significant majority supports the legislation, reflecting a strong consensus among lawmakers that the bill should become law despite the President's objections. The high bar set by the two-thirds requirement underscores the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches, ensuring that a president cannot unilaterally block legislation that has substantial legislative support.

In contrast, the other options do not meet the constitutional standard: a simple majority would not be sufficient to demonstrate widespread legislative agreement to override a presidential decision, and the requirements of three-fourths or a unanimous vote are much higher than what is necessary. Thus, a two-thirds majority serves as a critical mechanism for maintaining checks and balances within the federal government.