What occurs if the president does not sign a bill into law?

When the president does not sign a bill into law, the bill can become law if Congress is in session for ten days. This is specified in the United States Constitution. If the president neither signs nor vetoes a bill within that time frame, it automatically becomes law without the president's signature. This provision is designed to ensure that legislation can advance without being stalled by the executive branch if Congress is actively in session.

In contrast, if Congress is not in session, the bill will not become law after ten days of inaction from the president. This scenario can lead to what is known as a "pocket veto," where the president effectively vetoes the bill by not signing it, but this only applies when Congress has adjourned. Understanding this process helps clarify the balance of power between Congress and the president in the legislative process.