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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
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 to 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