In the slightly more than 200 years since John Adams became the first incumbent in America, the vice presidency has seen a procession of prominent figures and public disgraces. Only nine vice presidents have assumed the preseidency upon death or resignation of the president, but their position as a potential leader of the nation makes the office one of great importance. This work collects the life stories of every man that has held this office - including the vice president newly elected in fall 2000. It addresses the state of the country at the time these men were in office and features an analysis of prevailing political conditions; the opposition; the relationship between vice president and the president; the political machinations of these men, some of whom gained the ultimate prize, presidency; and a full chronology of the political history of the USA from 1789 to 2000.