The Vice President of the United States is the second highest public office stated in the United States Constitution. The Vice President, together with the President of the United States, is indirectly elected by the people through the Electoral College to a four-year terms of office. The Vice President is the first person in the presidential line of succession, and would ascend to the Presidency upon the death, resignation, or impeachment of the President.
The Vice President is also President of the United States Senate. In that capacity, he is allowed to vote in the Senate when necessary to break a tie. While Senate customs have created some super majority rule that have diminished this Constitutional power, the Vice President still retains the ability to influence legislation (e.g. the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005). Pursuant to the Twelfth Amendment, the Vice President presides over the joint session of Congress when it convenes to count the vote of the Electoral College.
While the Vice President's only constitutionally prescribed functions aside from Presidential succession relate to his role as President of the Senate, the office is commonly viewed as a component of the executive branch of the federal government. The United States Constitution does not expressly assign the office to any one branch, causing a dispute amongst scholars whether it belongs to the executive branch, the legislative branch, or both. The modern view of the Vice President as a member of the executive branch is due in part to the assignment of executive duties to the Vice President by either the President or Congress, though such activities are only recent historical developments. One of the best known vice-presidents who later became Commander-in-Chief was Lyndon B. Johnson.
The Vice-President under Benjamin Asher's administration was Charlie Rodriguez until his assassination by Korean terrorist Kang Yeonsak during the siege of the White House. Following his death, Allan Trumbull, the Speaker of the House, was passed the power of presidency from Charles Rodriguez as Vice President, as revealed in London Has Fallen. In Angel Has Fallen, its revealed that after Trumbull himself became President, Martin Kirby was elected Vice President. However, Kirby was later impeached and arrested for treason when he plotted with Wade Jennings to unsuccessfully assassinate President Trumbull.
Behind the Scenes
Appearances
Olympus Has Fallen (First appearance)
London Has Fallen
Angel Has Fallen