The Executive Branch: More Than the President

In the last section, we explored the powers (and limits to power) of the President. But the Executive Branch is made up of more than the President alone.  It also includes the Vice President, the Cabinet, and Federal Agencies.

The Vice President

The Vice President of the United States presides over the U.S. Senate and takes over the role of president of the United States if the president is unable to perform their duties. If the vice president is not able to fulfill the duties of president, the role is passed to another leader in the order of presidential succession.

The Vice President may also cast the tie-breaking vote in the Senate if necessary.  This is the only time they may vote in the Senate, however.  Additionally, in the modern age, the Vice President often takes the role of an advisor to the President as well.