U.S. Citizenship Civics TestSystem of GovernmentMedium
A civics test candidate is asked about the role of the Vice President of the United States. Which of the following is the Vice President's primary constitutional duty?
- ATo negotiate treaties with foreign nations.
- BTo serve as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
- CTo preside over the Senate and break tie votes.
- DTo command the U.S. armed forces.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. To preside over the Senate and break tie votes.
The U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 3, Clause 4, states that 'The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.' This is their primary constitutional duty.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Treaty negotiation is primarily a presidential power, with Senate approval.
- B. The Chief Justice leads the judicial branch, a separate role.
- D. The President is the Commander in Chief of the armed forces.
Vice President's Constitutional Duty
The primary constitutional duty of the Vice President is to serve as the President of the Senate and cast a tie-breaking vote when necessary.
- President of the Senate.
- Breaks tie votes in the Senate.
- Second in line to the presidency.
Memory trick: VP's main job: 'Votes break ties, in Senate he presides!'