John Adams, the very first person to ever hold the job, once called the vice presidency "the most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived."
Honestly, he wasn't entirely wrong back then.
For the better part of two centuries, the Vice President (VP) was basically a "president-in-waiting" who spent most of their time sitting around the Senate, waiting for someone to die or for a vote to end in a tie. It was a weird, purgatory-like position. You had the title, the fancy house (eventually), and the Secret Service, but almost no real power unless the President felt like sharing.
But things have changed. A lot.
If you look at the modern era—specifically since the 1970s—the role has evolved into something much more like a "Chief Operating Officer" for the United States. Today, when people ask what does the vice president do, the answer is a complicated mix of constitutional mandates, tie-breaking drama, and high-stakes diplomacy that would make John Adams' head spin.
The Two Things the Constitution Actually Says
The U.S. Constitution is famously brief about this job. It’s like a job description that only has two bullet points, and one of them is just "wait here."
1. President of the Senate
This is the VP's only formal legislative duty. According to Article I, Section 3, the Vice President is the "President of the Senate." However, they don't get to debate or propose laws. They only get to vote if there is a 50-50 tie.
In a polarized Washington, this has become a massive deal. Kamala Harris, for example, broke the all-time record for tie-breaking votes, surpassing John Adams. When the Senate is split right down the middle, the VP effectively becomes the most powerful legislator in the building, deciding everything from tax policy to federal judge appointments.
2. The Successor
This is the "heartbeat away" part. If the President dies, resigns, or is removed from office, the VP takes over. This has happened nine times in American history. It happened when William Henry Harrison died of pneumonia (John Tyler took over), when JFK was assassinated (LBJ took over), and when Nixon resigned (Gerald Ford took over).
The 25th Amendment, ratified in 1967, added some nuance here. It allows the VP and a majority of the Cabinet to declare a President "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office." It's the ultimate "break glass in case of emergency" button for the government.
The "Modern" Vice Presidency: Where the Power Is
The real meat of the job isn't in the Constitution; it’s in the relationship with the President. This "Executive Branch" version of the VP really started with Walter Mondale in 1977. He was the first one to get an office in the West Wing and total access to the Oval Office.
👉 See also: American Presidents List: What Most People Get Wrong
The Last Person in the Room
Joe Biden famously asked Barack Obama to let him be the "last person in the room" when big decisions were being made. This has become the standard. The VP acts as a confidential advisor. They get the same Daily Intelligence Briefing as the President. They sit in on National Security Council meetings.
Because the President is usually drowning in meetings, the VP often takes on "portfolios." Think of these as massive homework assignments.
- Mike Pence led the White House Coronavirus Task Force.
- Joe Biden was "the guy" for Iraq policy under Obama.
- Kamala Harris was tasked with addressing the "root causes" of migration at the Southern border.
Basically, the President says, "This is too big for me to handle alone—you do it."
The Ultimate Surrogate
The VP is also a professional traveler. If a foreign leader dies, the VP goes to the funeral. If a swing state needs a pep talk before an election, the VP is on Air Force Two heading there. They are the President's eyes, ears, and voice in places the President can't be.
It’s a grueling schedule. You’re constantly flying, constantly speaking, and constantly making sure you don't say anything that contradicts the boss.
Why the President Can't Fire Them
Here is a weird quirk: the President cannot fire the Vice President.
Once they are elected together, the VP is in for the full four years unless they resign or get impeached by Congress. This creates a strange dynamic. In the early days, like with John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the VP was often the President’s political rival (because the runner-up in the election became VP back then). That was a disaster.
The 12th Amendment fixed that, making them run as a "ticket." Now, the VP is chosen to "balance the ticket." Maybe they bring experience the President lacks, or they appeal to a different part of the country.
The Daily Grind at Number One Observatory Circle
While the President lives at the White House, the VP lives at Number One Observatory Circle, about two miles away. It’s a beautiful 19th-century house on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Observatory.
A typical day for a modern VP might look like this:
- Morning: National Security Briefing in the Oval Office.
- Mid-morning: Meeting with Senate leaders to whip up votes for a new bill.
- Lunch: A private 1-on-1 lunch with the President (a tradition started by Jimmy Carter).
- Afternoon: Zoom calls with foreign prime ministers or a speech at a manufacturing plant.
- Evening: Hosting a reception for diplomats at their residence.
It’s a life of high-level "consulting" where you have a lot of influence but zero final authority. You can advise the President all day, but at the end of the day, the President is the one who signs the paper.
What Really Happens if the VP Seat Is Empty?
People often forget that the VP seat can actually stay empty. Before the 25th Amendment, if a VP died or moved up to the Presidency, the office just sat vacant until the next election. This happened 16 times!
Now, if the VP seat becomes vacant, the President nominates a replacement, and both the House and the Senate have to vote to confirm them. This is how Gerald Ford and Nelson Rockefeller both became Vice President without ever being on a national ballot.
Actionable Insights: Why This Matters to You
Understanding the VP’s role isn't just for history buffs; it affects how the government actually functions daily.
- Watch the Tie-Breakers: If you want to know if a controversial bill will pass, look at the Senate math. If it’s 50-50, the VP is the most important person in the room.
- Follow the "Portfolio": If the VP is suddenly visiting a specific country or talking about a specific issue (like AI or space policy), it’s a signal that the administration is making that a top priority.
- Succession Readiness: During election years, pay close attention to the VP pick. Statistically, there is a high chance they will either become President or run for the office themselves later. You aren't just voting for one person; you're voting for a governing partnership.
The vice presidency has gone from a "useless" office to the ultimate power-player role. They are the bridge between the White House and the Capitol, and often, the most influential person you never see on the evening news.
To see who currently holds these roles and their specific focus areas, you can check the official White House Administration list.