The Evolving Role of the U.S. Vice President
The office of the Vice President of the United States holds a unique and crucial position within the nation’s political structure. As the second-highest-ranking official in the executive branch, the Vice President plays a multifaceted role that encompasses constitutional duties, ceremonial responsibilities, and substantive involvement in policy matters. Throughout American history, the Vice Presidency has undergone significant changes, reflecting the evolving needs of the nation and the development of its political system.
Historical Analysis of the Office
The Framers’ Intentions:
During the Constitutional Convention in 1787, the Framers were tasked with establishing a new government to replace the weak Articles of Confederation. The office of the Vice President was one of the significant topics of debate. Some delegates believed that the Vice President should be chosen by Congress, while others argued that the President should select their own Vice President. The compromise reached was to have the Vice President elected by the Electoral College, similar to the President.
The original intention behind the Vice Presidency was to provide a successor to the President in case of death or incapacitation. Additionally, the Vice President was assigned the role of presiding over the Senate, a duty that was seen as essential but largely ceremonial. The Vice President could only vote in the Senate to break a tie, highlighting the office’s limited influence and political power at the time.
The 12th Amendment:
The implementation of the 12th Amendment in 1804 brought significant changes to the electoral process and the Vice Presidency. Prior to the amendment, electors cast two votes for President, and the candidate with the most votes became President, while the candidate with the second-highest votes became Vice President. However, this method led to situations where the President and Vice President were from opposing political parties, causing tensions within the executive branch.
The 12th Amendment rectified this issue by mandating separate ballots for President and Vice President. Electors would now cast one vote for President and one vote for Vice President. This ensured that both offices would be occupied by individuals from the same political party, thereby promoting a more cohesive executive team.
The Civil War and Beyond:
One of the most pivotal moments in the history of the Vice Presidency came during the Civil War. Vice President Andrew Johnson, a Democrat from the South, was serving under President Abraham Lincoln, a Republican from the North. In April 1865, after President Lincoln’s assassination, Johnson assumed the presidency. His presidency marked the first time the Vice President had succeeded to the highest office due to the President’s assassination. This event underscored the significance of the Vice President as the designated successor in times of national crisis.
In the post-Civil War era and into the early 20th century, the office of the Vice President remained relatively subdued, with Vice Presidents continuing to preside over the Senate but having little substantive influence over national policy matters. For example, Vice President Garret A. Hobart (1897-1899) and Vice President Charles W. Fairbanks (1905-1909) were seen as supporting players within their respective administrations, playing limited roles beyond ceremonial duties.
It was not until the 20th century that Vice Presidents started to assume more active roles in shaping policy and advising the President. Vice President Calvin Coolidge (1921-1923), for instance, was actively involved in his administration’s decision-making process and took on responsibilities beyond his constitutional duties, displaying an early example of the Vice President’s increasing involvement in governance.
However, it was during the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century that the role of the Vice President experienced significant transformation. Vice Presidents such as Hubert H. Humphrey, Al Gore, Dick Cheney, and Joe Biden played integral roles in shaping policy, influencing domestic and foreign affairs, and advocating for specific initiatives. These examples highlight the gradual shift from a largely ceremonial office to one with substantive responsibilities, reflecting the evolution of the Vice Presidency within the American political landscape.
Constitutional Duties of the Vice President
The Vice President of the United States serves in a unique constitutional role that includes specific duties outlined in the United States Constitution. While the office has evolved over time, certain fundamental responsibilities remain unchanged. This section explores the constitutional duties of the Vice President and their historical significance.
Presiding Over the Senate:
One of the primary constitutional duties of the Vice President is to preside over the Senate. Article I, Section 3 of the Constitution states that the Vice President shall be the President of the Senate, giving them the authority to preside over its sessions. In this capacity, the Vice President can only vote in the Senate to break a tie. However, this role has diminished in practice, and modern Vice Presidents rarely preside over the Senate on a day-to-day basis with the notable exception of Kamala Harris.
Historically, the Vice President’s presence in the Senate chamber was more common. For example, Thomas Jefferson, the first Vice President, actively participated in Senate debates and used his vote to break several tie votes during his tenure. Similarly, Vice President John C. Calhoun played a prominent role in Senate proceedings, making frequent use of his tie-breaking power.
However, as the Senate grew in size and complexity, the Vice President’s presiding role became less practical. With the increasing workload of the Senate, it became necessary to appoint a President pro tempore (temporary president) to oversee daily operations. The President pro tempore, usually the longest-serving member of the majority party, presides over the Senate in the Vice President’s absence.
The Vice President’s participation in Senate activities has become largely ceremonial and reserved for significant events, such as the swearing-in of new Senators or breaking tie votes on critical legislation. For example, Vice President Dick Cheney cast several tie-breaking votes, including on tax cuts and the confirmation of federal judges, during his time in office from 2001 to 2009.
Succession to the Presidency:
Another constitutional duty of the Vice President is to stand first in the line of presidential succession. According to the 25th Amendment, ratified in 1967, if the President dies, resigns, or is removed from office, the Vice President assumes the presidency.
Historically, this duty has been activated on several occasions, most notably in the aftermath of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination in 1865. Andrew Johnson, who was Vice President at the time, became the 17th President of the United States, stepping into the role during a period of national mourning and post-Civil War reconstruction.
In more recent history, Vice President Gerald Ford assumed the presidency in 1974 following President Richard Nixon’s resignation amid the Watergate scandal. Vice President Ford became the 38th President of the United States and faced significant challenges in restoring public trust in the government.
The importance of the Vice President’s succession role was further emphasized by the 25th Amendment when it clarified the process for filling a vacancy in the Vice Presidency. In the past, Vice Presidential vacancies were often left unfilled until the next election. However, with the 25th Amendment, the President now nominates a new Vice President, subject to confirmation by both houses of Congress.
Day-to-Day Activities of the Vice President
Advisor to the President:
Modern Vice Presidents play a crucial role as advisors to the President, participating in high-level meetings and offering counsel on a wide range of policy matters. Their involvement in shaping the administration’s agenda depends on the President’s preference and the Vice President’s expertise. While the degree of influence can vary, Vice Presidents often have access to the President and are considered trusted confidants.
Example – Vice President Dick Cheney (2001-2009): During the George W. Bush administration, Vice President Dick Cheney was widely regarded as one of the most influential Vice Presidents in recent history. He played a significant role in shaping foreign and domestic policy, particularly in matters related to national security and energy. Cheney chaired the National Energy Policy Development Group, which produced the National Energy Policy Report in 2001, influencing energy strategies during his tenure.
Diplomacy and International Relations:
Vice Presidents may be assigned diplomatic responsibilities, representing the United States abroad and engaging with foreign leaders on critical issues. These diplomatic missions serve to strengthen international relations and advance American interests on the global stage.
Example – Vice President Joe Biden (2009-2017): Vice President Joe Biden was actively involved in diplomacy and international relations during the Obama administration. He made multiple trips abroad to engage with world leaders, including visits to countries like China, Ukraine, and Iraq. All of which, he and his son are currently being investigated for. Biden played a role in shaping the administration’s policy on Iraq, advocating for the withdrawal of U.S. troops while sending that country over $12 billion.
Domestic Initiatives and Special Projects:
Vice Presidents often champion specific policy initiatives and special projects, utilizing their expertise and influence to drive meaningful change on particular issues of national importance.
Example – Vice President Al Gore (1993-2001): Vice President Al Gore was a strong advocate for environmental issues during the Clinton administration. He led the National Performance Review, commonly known as the “Reinventing Government” initiative. The project aimed to streamline government operations, cut costs, and improve efficiency. Additionally, Gore’s dedication to environmental causes led to his involvement in the negotiation of the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Campaigning and Political Support:
Vice Presidents often take an active role in political campaigning, both during their own campaigns and while supporting the President’s re-election bid or other candidates from their party. They are expected to rally support and energize the party’s base.
Example – Vice President Kamala Harris (2021-present): Vice President Kamala Harris has been an active campaigner and advocate for the Democratic Party. During her own campaign for the Vice Presidency, she participated in numerous campaign events, debates, and outreach efforts. As Vice President, she continued to be involved in supporting Democratic candidates in various elections across the country, using her influence and popularity to boost their campaigns.
The office of the Vice President of the United States has undergone a transformative journey since its inception. From a role primarily defined by succession and tie-breaking votes, it has evolved into a position with substantial influence within the executive branch. Today’s Vice Presidents engage in various day-to-day activities, advising the President, undertaking diplomatic missions, and championing specific policy initiatives. This historical analysis highlights the dynamic nature of the Vice Presidency and its vital role in shaping American governance.
For more information on the duties and day-to-day activities of the Vice President of the United States, and the historical analysis of the office, you may find the following books, websites, and sources helpful:
Books:
- “The American Vice Presidency: From Irrelevance to Power” by Jules Witcover Website: https://www.juleswitcover.com/the-american-vice-presidency
- “The Vice Presidency in the United States: Evolution, Duties, and Responsibilities” by Joel K. Goldstein Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
- “The Veepstakes: A Short History of Vice Presidents in America” by Joel Goldstein Publisher: Lawrence: University Press of Kansas
- “The Vice-Presidency: The Meaning of America’s Forgotten Office” by Jody C. Baumgartner and Thomas F. Crumblin Publisher: Praeger
Websites:
- The White House: Vice President’s Page Website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/vice-president/
- U.S. Senate: Vice President of the United States Website: https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing/Vice_President.htm
- History, Art & Archives, U.S. House of Representatives: Office of the Vice President Website: https://history.house.gov/Institution/Origins-Development/Vice-President/
- Biography.com: Vice Presidents of the United States Website: https://www.biography.com/political-figure/vice-presidents-of-the-united-states
Academic Journals:
- Presidential Studies Quarterly Publisher: Wiley Online Library Website: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/17418235
- White House Studies Publisher: Taylor & Francis Online Website: https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/whhs20/current
Government Sources:
- United States Constitution Website: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution
- U.S. Senate: Historical Minutes, Journal of the Vice President Website: https://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/history/h_multi_sections_and_teasers/VP_journal.htm
These sources offer a comprehensive understanding of the Vice Presidency’s historical context, its evolving role, and its current significance in the United States’ political landscape. Additionally, they provide valuable insights into the day-to-day activities of Vice Presidents and their contributions to American governance. Whether you are a student, researcher, or a curious citizen, exploring these resources will undoubtedly deepen your knowledge about the Vice President’s office and its impact on the nation.