The first priority of the vice president is to make sure they are ready and able to take over office for the president. Whether the president dies, resigns, is temporarily incapacitated, or if the cabinet deems the president unfit to serve our country the vice president must be prepared. 

     The vice president comes into his position of power by the electoral college. According to the White Houses’ official website each elector casts one vote for President and another for Vice President.  

     After election he or she will also serve as president of the U.S. senate. This means he or she casts the deciding vote in the case of a tie, however during tie breaking votes the vice president will rarely preside over the senate. 

  In fact, the only constitutional duty the vice president is responsible for fulfilling (other than potentially taking over for the president) is presiding over the senate. 

       In addition, the Senate’s official website also says “the office has become more associated with the duties and responsibilities of the executive branch, while maintaining its ties to the legislature through (his power in the senate)” 

   The vice president is not even allowed to formally address the senate unless they have a senator’s permission. Plus, he presides over the Senate only on ceremonial occasions or when a tie-breaking vote may be needed. 

     Originally, they were able to appoint senators to standing committees, regulate access to the galleries and supervise the keeping of the Senate Journal. However, these duties were later removed.