First congressional override of a presidential veto

Background. John Tyler served as the tenth president of the United States from 1841 to 1845. The 28th United States Congress met in Washington, D.C., from March 4, 1843, to March 4, 1845, during the third and fourth years of Tyler's presidency. The override thus fell on the final day of both the Congress's session and Tyler's term.

The Override. On March 3, 1845, the last full day of Tyler's term, Congress overrode his veto of a minor bill relating to revenue cutters. This action constituted the first time Congress successfully overturned a presidential veto. The event took place in Washington, D.C., during the 28th Congress. The override demonstrated the legislative branch's ability to check executive power, establishing a precedent for future interactions between the branches.

Legislative Activity. The 28th Congress was active in the final days of Tyler's term. On March 3, 1845, Florida was admitted to the Union as the 27th state. Additionally, Tyler signed the bill for the annexation of Texas into law on his last day in office, following the passage of a joint resolution in February 1845.