2006-12-13 00:10:50 · 5 answers · asked by Angel*Eyesz 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
A vice president's primary function is to replace the president on the event of his or her death or resignation.
The vice president does not wield much day to day political power, but is still considered an important member of the cabinet.
The original choice of a VP is often to cover areas where the Presidential Candidate is weak.
For example the Presidential Candidate may not have a high profile with certain sections of the community and the VP will have.
2006-12-13 00:32:42 · answer #1 · answered by Yellowstonedogs 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
This has been a subject of disagreement among political pundits over the years. In the past, the purpose was to gain votes by providing geographical diversity. So, New York's Roosevelt ran with a guy from Missouri. Texas' Eisenhower ran with California's Nixon. California's Nixon chose Maryland's Agnew. Massachusetts JFK selected Texas' LBJ. And so on.
Today, it's different. Clinton picked Gore from the same region of the country. Texan Bush II picked Cheney, a resident of Texas, who quickly returned to his home state of Wyoming to claim residence there.
Despite regional differences, I think we have become more homogenized. Regions are less important than philosophies these days. Therefore decisions are much more complex. Sometimes, a Presidential candidate picks a vice president who is near him philosophically, as Bush picked Cheney. Sometimes, a presidential hopeful will select someone who will broaden his appeal. More liberal Kerry chose more moderate Edwards.
There is a small trend in selecting a vice presidential running mate who could assume the Presidency, if that becomes necessary. I suspect that may have been a factor when Clinton chose Gore and Bush chose Cheney.
Finally, sometimes a reason to select a vice presidential nominee is that he came in second and it would heal party wounds. Stevenson chose Kefauver, at least in part for that very reason. Kennedy chose No. 2 Johnson. Kerry chose Edwards, who had gained quite a bit of support over the course of the primaries.
2006-12-13 00:34:46 · answer #2 · answered by jackbutler5555 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Because that choice can offset any weaknesses in the presidential candidiate, soften or strengthen the impression of the overall ticket.
2006-12-13 00:18:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
because if the president dies....the next person in line is the vice president.
2006-12-13 00:18:36 · answer #4 · answered by moviebuff12003 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because he can be the president if something happens to him
2006-12-13 00:13:53 · answer #5 · answered by bcdma@sbcglobal.net 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋