What responsibilities did Francisco de Paula Santander have as vice president of Gran Colombia?

As vice president of Gran Colombia, Francisco de Paula Santander held significant administrative responsibilities, primarily serving as the acting president during the frequent absences of Simón Bolívar.1

In this capacity, Santander was recognized as an able statesman who implemented efficient procedures and upheld democratic republican principles. His role involved managing the governance of the republic—which encompassed present-day Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador—during a formative and often volatile period of independence. While he was a key figure in the administration, his political disagreements with Bolívar, particularly regarding the retention of Venezuela within the union, eventually led to a rift between the two leaders.1