Why vice president

In , Democratic nominee George McGovern had been turned down by multiple would-be vice presidentVPs, and his eventual pick, Thomas Eagleton, quit the race after news reports revealed he had received electroshock therapy during a psychiatric hospitalization. These theatrics were a PR coup that has been repeated by other campaigns since. In the s George H. Bush was tasked with forming vital relationships with heads of state and international dignitaries. Other vice presidents focused on creating policy.

Under President Bill Clinton, Al Gore was a powerful advocate for the environment and brokered a last-minute agreement in Kyoto, pledging reduced emissions on the part of the United States. Legislators never ratified the treaty in the U. Richard Cheney was seen as reinventing the vice presidency by taking on a greater role in President George W. Vice presidents also still attempt to use the role as a springboard to the presidency—though the last to succeed was George H.

Bush in The vice presidency has long been what the officeholder is willing to make of it. And though little is certain in politics, the office is sure to continue to evolve alongside the republic the vice president serves.

All rights reserved. From opponent to running mate The role of vice president was a governmental afterthought—it was created only at the very end of the Constitutional Convention, which relegated it to a committee that handled unfinished business. A vaguely defined role Throughout the 19th century, vice presidents were seen as politically expedient during an election, when they could be used to gain critical electoral votes and balance out the geographic appeal of a presidential candidate.

Vice presidential power grows In the 20th century, presidents became more involved in the selection of their vice presidents and gave them more power.

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India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big. Environment Planet Possible India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big Grassroots efforts are bringing solar panels to rural villages without electricity, while massive solar arrays are being built across the country.

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Mike Pence, whatever else he accomplishes in life, has managed to set new standards for tolerance and self-abasement. But there were different, heightened expectations for Harris, chiefly because of her groundbreaking election. As head of the upper house of congress, the Vice President votes on legislation or other motions only when Senators are deadlocked This has occurred times and involved 35 different Vice Presidents.

Whilst in the past the Vice President would actively preside over Senate proceedings, nowadays its customary that they only get involved in order to break a tie. The only other formally recognized duty of the Vice President is to preside over and certify the tally of electoral college votes after a Presidential election has taken place.

However, the role also brings with it many visible, informal responsibilities. These would typically vary depending upon the relationship between the President and Veep of the day, but have typically included:. Other than this, vice presidential candidates don't require any special qualifications.