<P> The Vice President is assigned the responsibility by the Constitution of presiding over the Senate and designated as its president . The vice president has the authority ( ex officio , for they are not an elected member of the Senate ) to cast a tie - breaking vote . Early vice presidents took an active role in regularly presiding over proceedings of the body , with the president pro tempore only being called on during the vice president 's absence . During the 20th century , the role of the vice president evolved into more of an executive branch position . Now , the vice president is usually seen as an integral part of a president 's administration and presides over the Senate only on ceremonial occasions or when a tie - breaking vote may be needed . </P>
<P> The Vice President is assigned the responsibility by the Constitution of presiding over the Senate and designated as its president . The vice president has the authority ( ex officio , for they are not an elected member of the Senate ) to cast a tie - breaking vote . Early vice presidents took an active role in regularly presiding over proceedings of the body , with the president pro tempore only being called on during the vice president 's absence . During the 20th century , the role of the vice president evolved into more of an executive branch position . Now , the vice president is usually seen as an integral part of a president 's administration and presides over the Senate only on ceremonial occasions or when a tie - breaking vote may be needed . </P>
in the senate the blank is the official chair of the chamber
in the senate the blank is the official chair of the chamber
Vice President
Vice President