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Constitution of the United States


  
 
 
President of the Senate: Vice President of the United States

Under the Constitution, the vice president serves as the president of the Senate and presides over the Senate's daily proceedings. In the absence of the vice president, the Senate's president pro tempore (and others designated by him) presides. As one of the Senate's constitutional officers, only the Vice President has the authority to cast a tie-breaking vote.


Origins and Development

            Constitutional Origins and Structural Changes of the Vice Presidency
            The Vice Presidency: Evolution of the Modern Office, 1933-2001 (CRS report) (pdf)
        Rules:
            Appointment of a senator to the chair Rule 1
            Privilege of the Floor Rule 23

Votes

        Constitutional Authority:   Article 1, section 3
        Tie Votes:   1981-present   1789-2003 (pdf)
        Noted Votes:
            Dramatic Tie Breaker (Garfield) March 18, 1881
            President's Death Eases Senate Deadlock September 20, 1881

Presidents of the Senate

    Current   Leadership of the Senate

    Former   Complete List of Vice Presidents

        Selected Figures:
             Vice Presidents of the Senate: Individuals
            Indicted Vice President Bids Senate Farewell (Burr) March 2, 1805
        Former senators as Vice Presidents:
             William R. King: First Senator to Gain VP Offer (King) June 5, 1852
             Address by Vice President Dan Quayle September 19, 2000
            Address by Vice President Walter Mondale September 4, 2002

Art & Architecture

    Vice Presidential Bust Collection   brochure (pdf)
            Vice Presidential Room brochure (pdf)

Related Links   President Pro Tempore   Votes