Vice President: Roles, Powers, and Real-World Examples from Global Politics

When you hear Vice President, the second-highest elected official in a nation’s executive branch, often next in line to lead the country. Also known as Deputy Head of State, it’s a role that can be quiet or explosive — depending on who holds it and how much power the President is willing to share. In the U.S., the Vice President presides over the Senate, breaks tie votes, and steps in if the President can’t serve. But outside America, the job looks completely different. In some countries, it’s a ceremonial title. In others, like Nigeria or Madagascar, the Vice President is a political heavyweight — often a power broker, a party kingmaker, or even a rival waiting in the wings.

The presidential succession, the legal process that transfers power if the head of state dies, resigns, or is removed. Also known as line of succession, it’s what turns a Vice President from a backup into a potential leader overnight. Think of it like a sports team’s starting quarterback getting injured — the backup doesn’t just sit and wait. They step in, and suddenly everyone’s watching. That’s what happened in 2023 when Madagascar’s President Rajoelina appointed General Zafisambo as Prime Minister amid protests — a move that reshaped power dynamics, even though Zafisambo wasn’t Vice President. It shows how closely the Vice President’s role ties to stability, crisis, and control. In Nigeria, where ASUU strikes and economic reforms shake the government, the Vice President often becomes the face of negotiations — not because they’re popular, but because they’re the only one the President trusts to handle messy situations.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., the Vice President doesn’t just wait for emergencies. They run major initiatives — like Kamala Harris leading on immigration or Mike Pence overseeing space policy. Their influence isn’t written in law; it’s built through access, relationships, and timing. Some Vice Presidents, like Joe Biden, used the role as a springboard to the presidency. Others, like Dick Cheney, became more powerful than the President they served. The political power, the ability to make decisions that affect millions, often through formal position or behind-the-scenes influence. Also known as influence, it’s not always about the title — it’s about who’s listening. And that’s why the Vice President matters more than most people realize.

What you’ll find below are real stories from around the world where the Vice President — or someone acting like one — changed the course of events. From Trump’s tech bans affecting global markets to protests in Africa and leadership shifts in Nigeria, these aren’t just headlines. They’re snapshots of how power moves, who holds it, and what happens when it shifts hands. This isn’t about theory. It’s about what’s actually happening — and who’s in charge when the spotlight’s off.