Which statement is true regarding the formal powers of the president?

The statement that the formal powers of the president include the veto power is accurate because the Constitution specifically grants the president the authority to veto legislation passed by Congress. This power serves as a significant check on legislative power, allowing the president to refuse to enact laws that may be deemed undesirable or contrary to the national interest. The veto power reflects the framers' intent to create a balanced system of government, whereby the executive branch has a means to influence legislation and prevent potential overreach by the legislative branch.

This formal power is not solely derived from legislative action—it's established by the Constitution itself. Additionally, formal presidential powers are not rarely used; the veto is invoked where a president believes a bill is unwise or harmful, and historical instances show that presidents have exercised this power numerous times. Lastly, while Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds majority in both houses, this process can be quite challenging and is not easily accomplished, substantiating the strength of the president's formal veto power.