A pocket veto occurs when a president or governor takes no action on a bill for a specified period, typically ten days, while Congress is adjourned. This inaction effectively prevents the bill from becoming law without an explicit veto. Pocket vetoes are strategic tools allowing leaders to sidestep politically contentious decisions when they lack support or face logistical challenges. By using this method, a leader can implicitly reject a bill without taking blame for a formal veto. This practice highlights the intricate procedures within the legislative process and executive authority.