1.
Nature of Vice-Presidency in past
When
the office of the Vice-President was created, the fathers of the Constitution
were 'not enthusiastic about it. Franklin Roosevelt once observed that he would
prefer to be a Professor of History than the Vice-President of America. Woodrow
Wilson described the position of the Vice-President as one of "anomalous
in significance and curious uncertainty."
2. Functions of Vice-President
Following
are the Important Functions of American Vice-President:
a.
The Vice-President presides over the sessions of the Senate.
The
Vice-President presides over the sessions of the 'Senate. However, the
Presiding Officer of the Senate has to follow the customs and traditions of the
Senate. Hence, much discretion is not left with him. He has a vote in case of
tie.
b.
The Vice-President succeeds the President
The
Vice-President is to succeed the President in case he dies, or resigns, or is
removed by impeachment. In this case he occupies the President's office for the
remainder of the term. Vice-President Truman succeeded to the Presidential
office in 1964 on Roosevelt's death.
On
nine occasions, Vice-Presidents have succeeded to the Presidency on account of
the deaths of the Presidents. President Harrison died in 1841, and he was
succeeded by Vice-President Taylor. When President Kennedy was assassinated on
23 November, 1963, he was succeeded by Vice-President Johnson.
c.
The 25th Amendment of the constitution
The
25th Amendment of 1967 provides that the Vice-President would take over the
duties and responsibilities of the President if the latter states in writing
that he is unable to carry out his duties, and if the V ice-President and a
majority of the Heads of the Executive Department believe that the President is
suffering from disability and send to the Congress a declaration of that
effect. In such a case, the Vice-President only acts for the President and a
soon as the incapacity of the President is over, the President once again starts
performing his duties.
3.
Function of Vice-President in modern times
In
modern times, the office of Vice President has grown in importance: He actively
participates in the meetings of the Presidential Cabinet and also presides over
these in the absence of President. Sometimes, the Vice President' may, be
assigned the charge of any portfolio permanent. During the period of his Vice
Presidency, Nixon acted as Chairman of the Committee on Government Agreements.
Acting as Vice President, Nixon and Johnson both contributed a lot in the
projection of this office. Under Reagan administration, George Bush IP'
performed very important role as Vice President.
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