vice president
Quick Summary
A vice president is an official who ranks directly below a president and is empowered to serve in the president's absence or disability. In some cases, vice presidents act as deputies to a president, overseeing specific functions or regions.1
In the United States, the vice president is next in line for the presidency. The Twenty-fifth Amendment to the Constitution clarifies that if the president dies, resigns, or is removed, the vice president becomes president. This amendment also established a process for filling a vacancy in the vice presidency, allowing the president to nominate a successor who must be confirmed by Congress. The vice president also presides over the Senate.23
In India, the vice president is the deputy to the president and serves as the ex officio chair of the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of parliament). This role is considered the second highest constitutional post in India.4
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