U.S. Vice President in 2018: Core Facts
The Vice President in 2018 was Mike Pence. He served as the 48th Vice President of the United States from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021, under President Donald Trump. As President of the United States Senate, Pence presided over the chamber and cast tie-breaking votes when necessary. This profile focuses on his statutory duties, tenure dates, notable votes, and institutional role during the 115th and 116th Congresses, avoiding subjective commentary.
Constitutional and Statutory Role of the Vice President
The Vice President’s primary constitutional duty is to preside over the U.S. Senate and to serve as a neutral tie-breaking vote. By statute, the Vice President is designated as President of the Senate and may not vote except to break a tie. Secondary constitutional duties include presiding over joint sessions of Congress, counting electoral votes, and, in rare cases, presiding over impeachment trials of a President when the Chief Justice presides. Below is a concise table summarizing key roles, dates, and authority.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Vice President (2018) | Mike Pence | Official Biography |
| Term Start | January 20, 2017 | Oath of Office Record |
| Term End | January 20, 2021 | Inauguration Timeline |
| Congresses Served | 115th (2017–2019) and 116th (2019–2021) | Congress.gov |
| Senate Tie-Breaking Votes | Used to pass budget resolutions and confirmations | Senate.gov |
| Presiding over Joint Sessions | State of the Union, Electoral Vote Count | House-Senate Relations |
Key Responsibilities During 2018
Throughout 2018, Vice President Mike Pence performed statutory and ceremonial duties. In the Senate, he cast multiple tie-breaking votes on budget resolutions, committee confirmations, and procedural matters. He publicly represented the administration at events and occasionally presided over joint sessions to certify the 2016 electoral votes and later the 2018 midterm results. He also chaired the National Space Council and the White House Task Force on New Americans. These activities reflect standard Vice President functions during a mid-term of a presidential tenure.
Notable 2018 Vice Presidential Actions
- Cast tie-breaking votes on budget and appropriations measures in the Senate.
- Presided over the counting of electoral votes in January 2017 (continuing from 2017 start) and certifying the 2018 midterm results in early 2019.
- Chaired policy initiatives such as the National Space Council and administration task forces.
- Undertook diplomatic and domestic speaking engagements on behalf of the administration.
Historical Context: Vice Presidents 2017–2021
To clarify roles and tenure, the Vice Presidency during the 115th and 116th Congresses was held by Mike Pence. Understanding this period helps frame institutional expectations and statutory obligations. The table below compares basic tenure details for continuity and context.
| Vice President | Term | President | Congresses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Pence | January 20, 2017 – January 20, 2021 | Donald Trump | 115th, 116th |
Verifying the 2018 Vice Presidency
To confirm official records, the Vice Presidency in 2018 is documented across multiple authoritative sources: the official White House archives, the U.S. Senate Historian’s office, Congressional records, and the Office of the Federal Register. Each source lists Mike Pence as Vice President and documents his tie-breaking votes and presiding roles. These records are publicly accessible and provide a durable, fact-first reference for institutional timelines and responsibilities.
Why the Vice President’s Role Matters in 2018 and Beyond
The Vice President’s influence in 2018 derived from statutory duties rather than informal power. By presiding over the Senate and casting tie-breaking votes, the Vice President can affect legislative outcomes on budgets, confirmations, and procedural motions. The role also includes representing the administration in ceremonial and diplomatic appearances. Understanding these enduring constitutional and statutory functions provides clarity independent of any single administration or moment.
Common Questions About the Vice President in 2018
- Who was the Vice President for most of 2018? Mike Pence served throughout 2018 as the 48th Vice President.
- What does the Vice President do in the Senate? The Vice President presides over the Senate and casts tie-breaking votes.
- Can the Vice President vote in the Senate at any time? Only to break a tie; otherwise, the Vice President may not vote.
- Were there multiple Vice Presidents in 2018? No; there was a single Vice President serving for the full year.
- How is the Vice President confirmed? The Vice President is confirmed by a majority of Electoral College votes and by Senate oath before assuming duties.
Relationship to the Presidency and Succession
The Vice President stands first in the presidential line of succession. In 2018, this statutory order meant that Mike Pence would assume the Presidency if the President were unable to serve. The Vice President also supports the President’s agenda by representing administration priorities across government and public engagements. This relationship is defined by law and longstanding practice.
Closing Notes on Institutional Continuity
The Vice Presidency in 2018 reflects a stable, rule-bound office defined by the Constitution, federal statute, and decades of precedent. By focusing on verifiable roles, dates, and actions, this explanation offers a durable reference for understanding what the Vice President did, how the office functioned, and why the position remains central to U.S. governance. This approach supports clarity for long-term understanding rather than short-term news cycles.