Presidential Prohibition is a term used to describe the power of the President of the United States to VETO legislation passed by Congress. The term 'VETO' is derived from the Latin phrase 'VETO', meaning 'I forbid'. This power is granted to the President by the Constitution and is one of the most important checks on the legislative branch of government. Vetoing a bill prevents it from becoming law, and can be used to protect the interests of the executive branch or to prevent legislation that the President believes is not in the best interests of the nation.