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 … Continue reading The Evolving Role of the U.S. Vice President