US Vice President has only two official duties

George Washington was the first president under the US constitution of 1789. However, the US was an independent nation for 13 years before the Constitution was signed. For one year during this time John Hanson served as “President of the US in Congress assembled.” Technically, he was the first president of the United States.

Washington’s vice president was John Adams, the first vice president of the United States. He served from 1789 until 1797.

Thomas Jefferson (Democratic-Republican) served as the second vice president from 1797 until 1801, with John Adams serving as president.

The Vice President of the United States has only two primary official duties:

1) to preside over the Senate and to cast tie-breaking votes there,

2) and to preside over and certify the official vote count of the United States Electoral College.

In order of succession, the vice president is followed by the Speaker of the House, then the President pro tempor (highest ranking senator), follow by the Secretary of State.