Vice President of the United States
The Vice President of the United States is the second-highest executive officer, the president of the Senate, and the first in the presidential line of succession. The vice president casts tie-breaking votes in the Senate and serves as a key adviser to the president and a member of the Cabinet of the United States.
Constitutional role
- Presides over the United States Senate and may cast a tie-breaking vote.
- First in line to the presidency under the Presidential line of succession.
- Duties beyond the Constitution derive from statute and presidential delegation.
Election and qualifications
- Chosen on a joint ticket with the president via the Electoral College (United States) per the Twelfth Amendment.
- Four-year term; may be re-elected without a constitutional term limit.
- Must meet the same constitutional qualifications as the president (natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, 14 years’ residency).
Succession and vacancy
- Vice presidential vacancies are filled under the Twenty-Fifth Amendment: the president nominates; a majority of both houses of Congress confirms.
- The amendment also provides procedures if the president is disabled or unable to discharge the duties of the office.
Office and residence
- The modern vice presidency includes staff in the Executive Office of the President and the Senate.
- Official residence: Number One Observatory Circle, Washington, D.C.
History and milestones
- First vice president: John Adams (1789–1797).
- First woman to serve: Kamala Harris (2021–2025).