Raven Cohen
So you know the President. You might even know the Speaker of the House. But what about the person literally one heartbeat away from the Oval Office? That’s right! The Vice President of the United States (aka “Veep”). Let’s break down what the VP does, how the role got started, and why it’s way more than just ribbon-cutting and attending funerals.
🏛️ Origins: The Job Nobody Really Wanted (At First)
Back in the 1700s, America’s Founding Fathers were like, “Hmm… we should probably have someone as a backup just in case.” So the Vice Presidency was born in the Constitution (Article II, Section 1) as kind of a sidekick role. Originally, the VP was just the person who came in second in the presidential election. Brutal.
👴 First Vice President: John Adams, The Reluctant Number Two
John Adams was America’s first VP under George Washington. His take on the job? “I am nothing, but I may be everything.” Basically: he hated it. Adams found the gig boring and powerless. Mostly presiding over the Senate and waiting around in case George died. (Spoiler: George didn’t.)
📋 So… What Does the VP Actually Do?
Here’s what the Vice President of the U.S. is officially responsible for:
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Break ties in the Senate. (Very niche, but powerful.)
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Be ready to become President if the current one dies, resigns, or is removed.
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Support the President’s agenda. Think of the VP as a hype-person with gravitas.
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Take on special projects. Modern VPs often lead task forces or push big policies (like space stuff or pandemic response).
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Do diplomacy. VPs often travel abroad or meet with leaders to represent the U.S.
It’s like being the understudy in a Broadway show, but sometimes you get to write your own solo.
👑 Which Veeps Became President?
Being Vice President is the ultimate audition for the top role. Here are some who leveled up:
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John Adams and Thomas Jefferson (the OGs)
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Theodore Roosevelt (after McKinley was assassinated)
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Harry Truman (after FDR died)
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Lyndon B. Johnson (after JFK’s assassination)
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Joe Biden (elected in 2020 after being Obama’s VP)
In total, 14 Vice Presidents have become President, 9 due to death or resignation, and 5 by winning an election later.
👀 Could You Be Veep?
Technically, yes. All you need is to:
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Be 35+ years old
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Be a natural-born U.S. citizen
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Have lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years
No experience required. Just vibes (and a whole lotta campaigning).
🎁 Perks of Being VP
While the President gets more spotlight, the VP still gets:
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A cool home: Number One Observatory Circle in D.C.
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Secret Service protection
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Air Force Two (private jet access, baby!)
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An annual salary of $261,400 (as of 2023)
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Historical legacy + chance to become President
Oh and yes, you still get to be in all the important group photos.
🧠 Weird But True: The VP Has No Official Duties After the Election
Here’s the twist: The Vice President doesn’t have to do much after getting elected. Aside from breaking Senate ties and being on call in case of a presidential emergency, everything else is optional or delegated. Some VPs (like Dick Cheney or Kamala Harris) play huge roles in shaping policy. Others just… attend ceremonies, nod a lot, and go to funerals. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure job.
👶 VP Fun Fact: You Don’t Technically Need a VP (But It’s a Bad Idea)
There’s nothing in the Constitution that says we must have a Vice President at all times. In fact, before the 25th Amendment, if the VP died or resigned, the seat just sat empty until the next election. 😬 For example, after Spiro Agnew resigned in 1973, there was no VP for two months until Gerald Ford stepped in. Today, the 25th Amendment makes it easier to replace a VP, thank goodness.
🕺 Pop Culture Veeps: From Memes to Emmys
From Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s legendary role in Veep to memes of Joe Biden in aviators, the Vice Presidency has had a glow-up in pop culture. Whether it’s SNL sketches or heartwarming moments gone viral, the VP is no longer in the shadows. They’re out here doing podcasts, writing books, and even running their own social media. It’s never been a cooler time to be second-in-command.
✨ Final Thoughts: The Most Powerful Backup Plan in the World
Being Vice President used to be a political dead-end. Now? It’s a high-stakes, high-profile role that can make or break a presidency and a future campaign. Whether it’s breaking Senate ties, rallying support, or preparing to step into the biggest shoes in the world, the VP matters.
So next time you hear “Veep,” don’t just think TV show (although, yes, it slaps). Think policy, power, and presidential potential.
