[114] Previous to Andrew Johnson's administration but six measures were passed over the President's veto. Up to 1889 the veto power of the President had been exercised four hundred and thirty-three times, and in but twenty-nine instances had it been overridden by the required two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress. Fifteen measures vetoed by Andrew Johnson were passed over his veto—more than in the case of all other Presidents combined. Mason, The Veto Power, p. 214.
[115] Mason, The Veto Power, p. 214.
[116] Elliot's Debates, Vol. V, p. 151. Hamilton's statement, which was made in support of a motion to give the President an absolute veto on acts of Congress, was not correct. William III vetoed no less than four acts of Parliament, and his successor used the veto power for the last time in 1707. Medley, English Constitutional History, p. 315.
[119] Senate in South Carolina and Maryland (constitutions of 1776) exceptions, Infra p. 239.
[120] Constitution, Art. II. Sec. I.
[121] Elliot's Debates, Vol. I, p. 503.
[122] Ibid., p. 494.
[123] For a discussion of this feature of our government see the following chapter.