The U.S. constitution was set up on a rock-paper-scissors principle: each of the three branches could exert a check on the other one. The Judicial branch – the courts – interpreted the laws passed by Congress and signed by the President; the Legislative branch – Congress — passed the laws, while the Executive branch – the White House – could sign into law or veto (and a veto could be overridden with a two-thirds majority in Congress). No sooner was this principle established then it was used.

On this day, April 5, in 1792, President George Washington used the first presidential veto in history, sending back a bill to Congress that would have raised the number of delegates in Congress above the constitutionally mandated levels. Washington attached his comments to the veto, explaining he found it unconstitutional.

During his time in office, Washington vetoed only one other bill, which would have reduced the number cavalry units fielded by the Continental army. Neither of the two presidents after him vetoed any bills, and most U.S. presidents historically had between 20-40 vetoes over the course of their time in office with two notable exceptions: Presidents Grover Cleveland and Franklin Roosevelt, who both had over 300 vetoes each.