15 Surprising Facts About US Vice Presidents

As the second-highest-ranking official in the United States, the Vice President plays a crucial role in the country's government. But how much do you really know about these individuals? From their qualifications to their responsibilities, here are 15 surprising facts about US Vice Presidents that you may not have known.

1. The Vice President is the President of the Senate - This is one of the most important responsibilities of the Vice President, as they preside over the Senate and can break ties in the event of a 50-50 vote.

2. The Vice President is not a member of the Cabinet - Although the Vice President is a part of the Executive Branch, they are not a member of the Cabinet and do not have a specific portfolio.

3. The Vice President is the President of the National Guard Bureau - As the President of the National Guard Bureau, the Vice President is responsible for overseeing the National Guard and its operations.

4. The Vice President is the President of the American Battle Monuments Commission - The American Battle Monuments Commission is responsible for maintaining and operating American military cemeteries and memorials overseas.

5. The Vice President is the President of the Commission on White House Fellowships - The Commission on White House Fellowships is responsible for selecting and overseeing White House Fellows, a prestigious program that brings together young leaders from various fields.

6. The Vice President is the President of the National Security Council - As the President of the National Security Council, the Vice President is responsible for overseeing the country's national security policy and strategy.

7. The Vice President is the President of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports - The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports is responsible for promoting physical fitness and sports in the United States.

8. The Vice President is the President of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities - The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities is responsible for promoting the arts and humanities in the United States.

9. The Vice President is the President of the President's Council on Environmental Quality - The President's Council on Environmental Quality is responsible for advising the President on environmental policy and protecting the environment.

10. The Vice President is the President of the President's Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiations - The President's Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiations is responsible for advising the President on trade policy and negotiations.

11. The Vice President is the President of the President's Committee on the National Medal of Science - The President's Committee on the National Medal of Science is responsible for selecting and honoring scientists and engineers who have made significant contributions to science and technology.

12. The Vice President is the President of the President's Committee on the National Medal of Technology and Innovation - The President's Committee on the National Medal of Technology and Innovation is responsible for selecting and honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to technology and innovation.

13. The Vice President is the President of the President's Committee on the National Medal of Arts - The President's Committee on the National Medal of Arts is responsible for selecting and honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts.

14. The Vice President is the President of the President's Committee on the National Humanities Medal - The President's Committee on the National Humanities Medal is responsible for selecting and honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the humanities.

15. The Vice President is the President of the President's Committee on the National Medal of Science - The President's Committee on the National Medal of Science is responsible for selecting and honoring scientists and engineers who have made significant contributions to science and technology.

These are just a few of the many responsibilities and facts about US Vice Presidents. From their qualifications to their responsibilities, there is much to learn about these important individuals.