Vice President Presides

The principle for this Constitution Monday is found in Article I.3.4, "The Vice President shall serve as the presiding officer over the Senate." A Vice President is elected to serve all the people and has the responsibility under this provision to preside over the Senators who represent individual states. The Vice President is the only federal officer whose duties are in both the legislative and the executive branches. With the responsibility to preside over the Senate, the Vice President has a specific duty to perform. The Vice President cannot take part in any debate or vote except to break a tie.