There once were two brothers. When they grew up, one went to sea and the other became vice president. Neither was ever heard of again. OK, it's an old joke, but it illustrates a constitutional reality: American vice presidents have no power. Other than being first in line if the president should die or resign, their only constitutional duty is to preside over the Senate and break any tie votes. But when they do break a tie, they invariably vote the way the president wants them to. By Senate custom, they do not even take part in debate.
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