POLITICS
Tim Walz - JD Vance VP debate: What does the Vice President of the US do? Role and responsibilities
The Vice President holds a unique position within the federal government, serving as both an executive officer and a member of the legislative branch.
Coming up this week is the Vice Presidential debate between Republican J.D. Vance and Democrat Tim Walz. It could be the final time the parties get a chance to face-off on stage due to issues around the organisation of another debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
While certainly not as significant as a debate between the two people running for the highest office in the land, any debate between two (new) political heavyweights will make an intriguing watch.
However, there is some confusion on what the role means once assumed. The Senate says the job is“the least understood, most ridiculed, and most often ignored constitutional office in the federal government.”
So...
What does the Vicepresident actually do?
The primary constitutional duty of the Vice President is to be prepared to assume the presidency should the need arise, such as in cases of death, resignation, or incapacitation of the sitting President. This “heartbeat away from the presidency” concept underscores the critical nature of the role as the VP automatically becomes the president in these cases.
Additionally, the Vice President serves as the President of the Senate, where they can cast tie-breaking votes as incumbent VP Kamala Harris has done 33 times.
Historically, the Vice Presidency was viewed as a relatively insignificant position. However, its importance has grown significantly over time. The specific duties can vary widely depending on the administration; some Vice Presidents take on specific policy areas or represent the administration in diplomatic missions.
While formal responsibilities are laid out in the Constitution, many duties are informal and shaped by the relationship between the President and Vice President. These can include representing the administration at public events, leading initiatives on pressing issues, and engaging with Congress to advance legislative priorities. The Vice President’s office also plays a crucial role in national security matters as part of both the Cabinet and National Security Council.