1. “I am Vice President. In this I am nothing, but I may be everything
“I am Vice President. In this I am nothing, but I may be everything.” -John Adams

2. The Vice President

3. In the Constitution
The only role the Constitution actually gives to the VP is to be the President of the Senate.

4. How the office was formed
Compromise in the Constitutional Convention
Delegates assumed that electors would vote for “Favorite Son” candidates
In a plurality situation the vote for president would go to the most populous states

5. How the office was formed
The electoral college system was formed and gave each elector 2 votes
The delegates assumed that the first vote would be for their “Favorite Son” and the second would be used for a statesman of national character.
To avoid gaming the system, the first runner up would become the Vice President

6. How the office was formed
The process for selecting the Vice President was later modified by the 12th Amendment
Each elector receives one vote for President and one vote for Vice President
Since the early 1800s political parties have begun to nominate both a President and Vice President

7. Early Roles of the Vice President
The first Vice Presidents oversaw most of the Senate proceedings
The VP casts a vote in the Senate in cases of a tie, Adams did this 29 times
Early VPs participated in Senate debate, swaying legislation frequently

8. Standing Rules of the Senate
There are no significant duties given to the VP other than the tie breaking vote
Rule XIX, which addresses debate was amended, forbidding the VP from participating in debate.

9. Infrequent Duties
The VP oversees the counting and presentation of the votes of the Electoral College
In cases of impeachment where the Executive Branch is not involved, the VP presides over the Senate trial

10. 25th Amendment
Early on there was no clear rule for who takes over if the President can not fulfil their duties
In 1841, John Tyler stepped in as “Acting President” when William Henry Harrison fell ill
There were strong calls against his action, but no one challenged it legally
In 1967, the 25th Amendment was passed giving a clear line of succession

11. Role Today
Since Eisenhower, the prominence of the VP has increased greatly
The VP is seen as an extension of the Presidency
The VP often attends events to promote the agenda of the President
They often write bills and help to develop national policies
VP does not generally oversee the day to day operations of the Senate, only presiding over important votes