Law Dictionary of Legal Terminology

VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. The title of the second officer, in point of rank, in the government of the United States.

2. To obtain a correct idea of the law relating to this officer, it is proper to consider; 1. His election. 2. The duration of his office. 3. His duties.

3. - 1. He is to be elected in the manner pointed out under the article President of the United States. (q. v.) See, also, 3 Story on the Const. 1447 et seq.

4. - 2. His office in point of duration is coextensive with that of the president.

5. - 3. The fourth clause of the third section of the first article of the constitution of the United States, directs, that "the vicepresident of the United States shall be presidont of the. senate, but shall have no vote unless they be equally divided." And by article 2, s. 1, clause 6, of the constitution, it is provided, that "in case of the removal of the president from office, or of his death, resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the said office, the same shall devolve on the vicepresident."

6. When the vice-president exercises the office of president, he is called the President of the United States.