Besides being next in line to take over the presidency, what responsibilities does the Vice President of the United States have? Nick walks us through the job description found in the U.S. Constitution.
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READ THE SCRIPT:
[Nick] We all know the president is the commander-in-chief, but the vice president's job is a little less clear.

During an election, the VP is the president's righthand man. They make campaign stops and media appearances on behalf of their running mate. Many candidates select their VP based on who they think can help them win. For example, Senator Tim Kaine calls the swing state of Virginia his home.

The only responsibilities the Constitution gives the VP is the job of presiding over the Senate. This means they can help lead the voting on legislation, and if the senators ever get in a tie when they're voting for something, the vice president gets to decide which side is correct.

Most importantly, the vice president is there to replace the president if they die or resign. 14 VPs have gone on to become president. Five were elected president later on, while the other nine took over after the president died or resigned. The last vice president to take over like this was Gerald Ford, who ascended to the presidency after President Richard Nixon resigned in 1974.

Some VPs play a more active role in governing, depending on the responsibilities the president wants to give them. Many times, the vice president acts as the president's advisor, and in some cases the VP can even be the president's close confidante and friend.
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