U.S. Citizenship Civics TestSystem of GovernmentMedium
A civics student is learning about the roles within the executive branch. What is the primary constitutional duty of the Vice President of the United States?
- ATo serve as the Speaker of the House of Representatives
- BTo preside over the Senate and cast a tie-breaking vote
- CTo negotiate treaties with foreign nations
- DTo serve as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. To preside over the Senate and cast a tie-breaking vote
The primary constitutional duty of the Vice President is to preside over the Senate, and they have the power to cast a tie-breaking vote when senators are evenly divided.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The Speaker of the House is chosen by the House of Representatives, and is not the Vice President.
- C. Negotiating treaties is a presidential power, though the Vice President may assist.
- D. The Chief Justice is the head of the judicial branch, not the Vice President.
Vice President's Constitutional Duty
The primary constitutional role of the Vice President is to preside over the Senate and cast a tie-breaking vote when necessary.
- Only votes in the Senate to break a tie
- Next in line of succession to the Presidency
- Often takes on additional duties assigned by the President
Memory trick: VP is the Senate's tie-breaker and presidential backup.