Why is the Vice President allowed to pick which laws he will obey?

Question

No one else in America is allowed to disregard a law that they don't feel like complying with without facing consequences.

I'd love to not be bothered with preparing my 1040 every year but the law compels me to do so.

Since when is the VP not part of the Executive Branch? It is clearly spelled out in the Constitution that he is part of the Executive Branch AND Cheney has claimed EXECUTIVE Privelage on multiple occasions.

He has broken away and started his own Fourth Branch of government that is not accountable to anyone

Answer 1

I don't think anyone is answering your question. The Vice President must follow the same laws as all other Americans. Sure, I know he doesn't, but that doesn't make it legal, moral, ethical or "right." For example, the quail hunting incident in Texas should have been reported immediately under Texas law, but it wasn't. But, hey, he's the vice-president and he's in Texas--who's going to f*** with him? You're being led off track with answers about executive orders and executive privilege, etc. No citizen is above the law. Some of our politicians just act like it. Meanwhile, Cheney watching the Halliburton money roll into his secret trust. EDIT: It's also wrong to state he's not part of the executive branch. Does someone really think the executive branch is only 1 person, the President? The President, the Vice-President, the entire cabinet and every person appointed by the President (except the judiciary) are members of the executive branch. Jobs you would never even think of--like the chairman of the Postal Service or the Native American Art Museum are executive branch members. EDIT: I came back to add a comment. There's an article on RealClearPolitics this morning about Cheney's attitude that he's above the law. Sorry, but I don't know how to do a link, but you can go to that site and it gives specific examples.

Answer 2

yeah, well, this has been turning into quite the Republican/Democrat debate....*whew*

Again, laws are LAWS. When a law is made, every american citizen, regardless of position or influence is subject to them. If a law suddenly said we are all going to use please after every sentence (not that anyone would ever pass a law like that), then EVERYONE from the blue collar worker to the congressman on Capitol Hill has to follow the law.

Because by agreeing to become a citizen of a country, you are basically agreeing to give up some of your rights, (the right to be able to murder in exchange for the right to be protected from foreign invasion etc.) all citizens must abide by the laws of the country.

Now has this agreement been broken in the past? Well, yes, Nixon in the 70s, FDR during japanese internment, however, it's interesting about our government in that if there is enough public support, then things like this can happen, or else, the person would be impeached.

Thus, back to the question, no, the VP is not allowed to do such a thing and although the constitution looked at ITSELF may defend his actions, the government must be looked as a whole incorporating the constitution, the bill of rights, Supreme Court rulings, and all precedents ever concieved.

But on the other hand, the only reason why the VP has seemed to get away with such a violation of his powers is because the public, to a certain majority, supports his actions, or else he would've been impeached or at least publicly removed from office. Our government is designed so it would work this way.

Answer 3

The law you're talking about does not cover the VP. The VP is not part of the Executive Branch. Bush can't fire the VP. Bush can't order the VP to do anything. The only constitutional role the VP has is President of the Senate.

****** Once again, the ONLY role The Constitution spells out for the VP is President of the Senate. That's it. Nothing more. The VP has no constitutional role in the Executive Branch. The VP does not report to the president. The president can't fire him. The president can't order him to do anything.

If, as you claim, The Constitution says otherwise perhaps you'll be a good lad and post it.

Answer 4

No one is above the law. However, executive orders are not laws and the executive branch cannot make any laws. Laws have to be passed by the legislative branch. The executive branch has the right to amend orders or even overlook orders at any time. It would be best done in writing, but is not necessary.

Answer 5

Ted Kennedy has been doing This his whole life and he never got as far as V.P. As far as your 1040's are concerned, if you will check with IRS you find that you are allowed to hold on to them and file up to 3 years at a time. However if you believe you owe taxes you need to send them a check to cover the estimated amount you owe, because when do file they will charge you interest for the three years you owed the money.

Answer 6

Hey !....
....... if you have the Attorney General in your back pocket to take out to bash people with,you can do as you please ! When will the Americans understand that their Govt. as was taught to them in school is now totally destroyed by the neo-cons? People look out their windows,and the sun still shines.
What they can't see is what has changed ! We have become a 'prison work camp' ! As long as you support the 'gang' in power you're safe from persecution. Just step out of lock step,and watch what happens ! You get smeared in the media ! The Constitution is under attack ! All the media says,is to pay attention to is some drunken blonde bimbo!
Cheney is GUILTY of TREASON !
HE NEEDS TO BE FITTED FOR A HEMP NECK TIE !

Answer 7

The Vice President pays his taxes, just like you and me. Last year, he paid over $500,000 in taxes, far more than I had to pay, and most likely more than you had to pay.

Can you give specific examples of laws that the VP has not obeyed?

Answer 8

This administration defies all laws and the Constitution..they all belong in prison!
Okay it doesn't answer much..but I had to vent..thanks

Answer 9

You see, Billy,

Vice Presidents aren't really PEOPLE like you and I, they're all-powerful, all-knowing demigods of great wonder and miraculousness. They have the power to control peoples' minds and sway entire crowds of nay-sayers to become the strongest advocates!

Or at least, that's the lie I assume people tell themselves in order to justify voting for some of those cretins.

Answer 10

Crook.