Definition of Vice President
The Vice President of the United States is the second-in-command to the President and is an essential figure in the country’s political landscape. This position holds a crucial role in the Executive Branch of the Federal Government, serving as the President’s running mate during elections and as the President’s key advisor throughout their term. The office of the Vice President was first established by the US Constitution in 1787, and its responsibilities and powers have evolved over time. In modern times, the Vice President is also responsible for leading certain executive agencies and serving as the President’s representative in diplomatic missions. Despite being initially considered an insignificant office, the Vice President has become an integral part of the American government, with a wide range of key roles and responsibilities.
Overview of Executive Branch
The Executive Branch is one of three branches of the federal government and is responsible for enforcing the laws of the United States. The President, who is elected every four years, is the head of the Executive Branch and has the power to execute laws and command the military. The Vice President, who is elected on the same ticket as the President, serves as a backup and can take over the presidency in the event of the President’s death or resignation.
The Cabinet, made up of the heads of 15 executive departments, advises the President on matters related to their departments and helps to carry out the President’s orders. The Executive Branch also includes a number of agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the National Security Agency, which work to enforce laws and regulations.
Overall, the Executive Branch plays a crucial role in running the federal government by executing laws, managing agencies, and protecting national security. Its structure ensures seamless coordination among various departments and agencies to carry out the objectives of the President.
Political Jobs in the Executive Branch
The Executive Branch is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws and policies established by Congress and the President. It is made up of several political jobs that play key roles in running the country.
The President’s Cabinet is a group of high-level advisors responsible for overseeing various agencies and departments within the Executive Branch. Cabinet members include the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Attorney General among others. Their role is to advise the President on important matters related to their departments and help to carry out the President’s orders.
Another important political job in the Executive Branch is the Vice President. The Vice President is the second-highest-ranking official and is responsible for assuming the office of the President in the event that the President leaves office. The Vice President also serves as the President of the Senate and may cast a tie-breaking vote in the Senate.
Other political jobs in the Executive Branch include agency heads, such as the Director of the FBI, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Director of the National Security Agency. These positions are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of their respective agencies and enforcing laws and regulations.
In summary, political jobs in the Executive Branch play critical roles in running the country, and their responsibilities vary widely, from advising the President to enforcing laws and regulations.
Vice Presidents in History
Throughout history, the role of Vice President has varied in importance and responsibility. Some Vice Presidents have gone on to become Presidents themselves, while others have served quietly in the background. Despite sometimes being considered an insignificant office, Vice Presidents have played key roles in American government, particularly in the Executive Branch. From the first Vice President, John Adams, to modern Vice Presidents such as Joe Biden, this article will examine the history of the Vice Presidency and the various ways in which this political job has evolved over time.
John Adams – First Vice President
John Adams served as the first Vice President of the United States from 1789 to 1797, serving under President George Washington. Before assuming the role of Vice President, Adams was a key figure in the American Revolution and served as a diplomat in Europe.
As Vice President, Adams presided over the Senate and was frequently called upon to cast tie-breaking votes. He was a close advisor and confidant of Washington, with whom he shared a deep mutual respect and admiration.
Adams played a crucial role in establishing the office of the Vice President as an important part of the executive branch, setting a precedent followed by his successors in the role. His dedication to public service and commitment to the principles of democracy helped shape the future of American government and politics.
John Tyler – Tenth Vice President
John Tyler served as the 10th Vice President of the United States under President William Henry Harrison. As Vice President, Tyler was a strong opponent of the American System, which was a set of policies aimed at promoting economic growth and national unity. Tyler’s views put him at odds with Harrison and many members of his own political party.
Tyler had a close relationship with former President Andrew Jackson, who had endorsed Tyler’s bid for the Vice Presidency. When Harrison died only a month after taking office, Tyler was next in line for the presidency. However, there was some initial confusion about whether he would assume the full powers of the office or just serve as acting president. Ultimately, Tyler asserted that he was the rightful president, and he was sworn in as the 10th President of the United States.
Tyler’s presidency was a contentious one, marked by clashes with Congress and his own cabinet. He made some significant accomplishments, including the annexation of Texas, but ultimately his time in office was marred by controversy. Despite these challenges, Tyler’s tenure as Vice President and subsequent ascension to the presidency marked a crucial moment in American political history.
Franklin D. Roosevelt and His Running Mates
Franklin D. Roosevelt had three running mates during his four-term presidency: John Nance Garner, Henry A. Wallace, and Harry S. Truman. Garner, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, was FDR’s running mate in both the 1932 and 1936 elections. He was known for his support of New Deal policies and his ability to handle the House of Representatives. Wallace, who served as Secretary of Agriculture before becoming FDR’s second Vice President in the 1940 election, was a strong advocate for progressive and liberal causes. He pushed for greater government control of the economy and believed in the idea of a “century of the common man.” Truman, who became Vice President in 1944, is perhaps the most significant of FDR’s running mates. After FDR’s sudden death in 1945, Truman became President and led the country through the end of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War. He also established key domestic policies such as the GI Bill and Fair Employment Practices Commission. The contributions and significance of FDR’s running mates played a key role in his presidency and their legacies continue to impact American politics today.
Andrew Johnson and His Successor, Ulysses S. Grant
Andrew Johnson became president after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln in 1865. He faced the daunting task of rebuilding the nation after the Civil War, and his policies towards the defeated South were controversial. Johnson implemented lenient policies towards Confederate leaders, angering Republicans in Congress who sought to punish the South.
Johnson’s decision to veto several Reconstruction bills led to a rift with Congress, ultimately resulting in his impeachment trial in 1868. He narrowly avoided removal from office, but his political power was weakened.
Ulysses S. Grant, a war hero and popular Republican, succeeded Johnson in 1869. Grant’s presidency was focused on Reconstruction, implementing policies to protect the rights of African Americans and rebuild the South. He also navigated foreign policy challenges, including tensions with Britain and Spain.
Grant’s presidency was marred by corruption scandals, with several members of his administration implicated in bribery and other illegal activities. Despite these challenges, his presidency saw significant progress in the Reconstruction Era and the expansion of the American West.
Overall, Andrew Johnson’s policies and controversies set the stage for Grant’s presidency, which worked towards rebuilding the nation and expanding American influence.
George Washington’s Role as the First President of the United States
George Washington was the first President of the United States and served as the Chief Executive from 1789 to 1797. His presidency was precedent-setting, as he established many customs and protocols that are now staples in American politics. During his first administration, Washington implemented policies that set the course for the country’s future growth and stability.
One of his key accomplishments was the creation of the national bank, which provided stability to the country’s financial system and helped promote economic growth. Washington also played a central role in the establishment of the capital city of Washington DC, which was named in his honor.
In addition to his domestic policies, Washington navigated a number of foreign policy challenges, including tensions with Britain, France, and Spain. He established the principle of neutrality when dealing with foreign conflicts, a policy that became a cornerstone of American foreign relations for generations to come.
Overall, George Washington’s leadership during his two terms as president laid the foundation for the modern American government and helped establish the country’s place as a world power.
John Nance Garner – FDR’s Running Mate in 1932
John Nance Garner served as the running mate of Franklin D. Roosevelt during his 1932 presidential campaign, ultimately becoming the 32nd vice president of the United States. Garner had a long and distinguished political career before becoming vice president, serving as a member of the US House of Representatives, Speaker of the House, and House Minority Leader.
Garner was known for his wit and colorful personality, earning the nickname “Cactus Jack.” His most notable achievement as vice president was his advocacy for the creation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which would become a vital agency for America’s space exploration efforts.
However, during his time as vice president, Garner also faced criticism for his opposition to some of Roosevelt’s New Deal policies, which he viewed as an overreach of federal government power. Despite their disagreements, Garner remained a loyal supporter of Roosevelt and worked closely with him throughout his four-year term.
Although Garner may not be as well-known as some of the other modern presidents’ vice presidents, his influential role in American politics is undeniable. As FDR’s running mate in 1932, he set the stage for future vice presidents to have a more active role in shaping America’s political landscape.
Tie-Breaking Votes by Vice Presidents Throughout History
Throughout history, Vice Presidents have been called upon to cast tie-breaking votes in the Senate, highlighting one of the key responsibilities of the role. One of the most famous examples of a tie-breaking vote came from John Adams, who served as the first Vice President under George Washington. In 1790, Adams was called upon to break a tie on a bill that established the nation’s first national bank. He voted in favor of the bill, which became law.
In more recent times, Vice President Joe Biden became known for his tie-breaking ability during the Obama administration. Biden cast 31 tie-breaking votes during his time as Vice President, the most of any Vice President in American history. These included votes on issues such as healthcare reform and economic policy.
The power of the Vice President to break ties in the Senate has impacted the role of the Vice Presidency over time. While initially seen as an insignificant office, the ability to cast tie-breaking votes has given Vice Presidents an important role in American government. It has also made the selection of a running mate a strategic decision for presidential candidates, as the Vice President can have a significant impact on the legislative agenda.
Responsibilities of a Vice President
The Vice President of the United States is an important political figure who serves as the second-in-command to the President. The role of the Vice President has evolved over time and has come to encompass a wide range of responsibilities. In this article, we will take a closer look at the key responsibilities of a Vice President and the important role they play in the American government.
Providing Advice to the President
The Vice President plays a crucial role in providing advice and support to the President of the United States. As the second-in-command in the executive branch, the Vice President’s role has evolved over time to include not just ceremonial and administrative duties, but also critical policy contributions and decision-making support to the President.
One of the key responsibilities in advising the President is to provide input and recommendations on various policy issues and decisions. The Vice President also serves as a liaison between the President and Congress, helping to coordinate legislative efforts and advocate for the President’s agenda.
Throughout history, many Vice Presidents have been particularly influential in advising the President, including John Adams, who was instrumental in helping George Washington establish the executive branch; Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Vice President, Harry S. Truman, who became President after Roosevelt’s death and led the country through the end of World War II; and Lyndon B. Johnson, who provided critical support and guidance to President Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis and subsequently became President himself.
Overall, the Vice President serves a vital role in providing advice and support to the President, playing a key role in shaping policy decisions and guiding the direction of the country.
Serving as Chairman of the Senate (if Necessary)
In addition to their duties as advisor to the President, the Vice President of the United States also serves as the Chairman of the Senate (if necessary). In this role, the Vice President is responsible for maintaining order in the Senate, recognizing members to speak, and interpreting the Senate’s rules and practices.
The Vice President’s most significant responsibility as Chairman of the Senate is breaking tie votes when the Senate is equally divided. Throughout history, there have been several instances where the Vice President has cast the tie-breaking vote, including John Adams, John C. Calhoun, and Dick Cheney. However, this responsibility has evolved over time due to the increased polarization of politics and the decrease in the number of closely divided votes.
With the increased partisanship and the Senate’s emphasis on majority rule over consensus building, the Vice President’s role in tie-breaking votes has become even more significant. While the Vice President is not an active participant in the Senate’s legislative process, their leadership in maintaining order and interpreting rules and procedures has been vital in ensuring the Senate operates in a fair and impartial manner.
Representing the United States Around the World
The Vice President of the United States is also tasked with representing the country around the world in matters related to foreign policy and diplomacy. They serve as a key figure in international relations, meeting with world leaders and representing the United States on the global stage.
Their involvement with foreign policy often includes attending diplomatic meetings and leading negotiations on behalf of the President. In addition, the Vice President may visit different countries on official visits, strengthening alliances and promoting American interests abroad.
The Vice President works closely with the President, the Secretary of State, and the many U.S. ambassadors stationed around the world in advancing American foreign policy. They serve as a critical figure in an administration’s diplomatic efforts, with the potential to shape relationships with other countries and determine the nation’s stance on key issues.