Veto Point Overload

Veto point overload arises when too many procedural hurdles exist in a decision-making system — committees, supermajority rules, judicial review, or overlapping jurisdictions — making meaningful action nearly impossible.

Why It Matters

• Creates gridlock that erodes public trust.

• Incentivizes backroom deals to bypass formal processes.

• Encourages executive overreach when legislatures fail to act.

Tell-Tale Signs

• Popular reforms die in layers of approvals.

• Members complain of “process fatigue.”

• Executives use emergency powers to bypass gridlock.

Examples Across Levels

• Local: Condo boards requiring multiple approvals for routine repairs.

• State: Bills stall in multiple committees despite broad support.

• Federal: Supermajority rules block legislation repeatedly.

Countermeasures

• Simplify procedures while retaining checks on abuse.

• Define clear thresholds for different decision types.

• Establish sunset reviews of procedural rules.

Related Patterns

• Gatekeeping Committees

• Emergency Pretexts