New York University Professor of Public Service Paul Light discusses the history and growth of Vice Presidential power in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Discussion Questions

1. Which Article of the Constitution addresses Vice Presidential power? Which two Amendments added to the power of the office?
2. Which Vice President is credited with changing the power and the symbol of the office? When was he Vice President? How did he expand the power of the Vice President?
3. According to Mr. Light, which recent Presidents have wanted a strong Vice President? Identify the President and their Vice President. Which Presidents wanted a weaker Vice President? Identify the President and their Vice President. Why may it be detrimental for a President to select a weak Vice President?