As the second-highest-ranking official in the executive branch, the Vice President plays a crucial part in shaping the nation’s governance and policies. From the earliest days of the Republic to the present, each Vice President has brought their unique background, expertise, and leadership style to the role. 

In this blog, we will discuss all 49 vice presidents of the USA examining their contributions, challenges, and impact on American history and politics, so let us get started. 

Number	Vice President	Tenure	Party	Became President?
1	John Adams	1789–1797	Federalist	Yes
2	Thomas Jefferson	1797–1801	Democratic-Republican	Yes
3	Aaron Burr	1801–1805	Democratic-Republican	No
4	George Clinton	1805–1812	Democratic-Republican	No
5	Elbridge Gerry	1813–1814	Democratic-Republican	No
6	Daniel D. Tompkins	1817–1825	Democratic-Republican	No
7	John C. Calhoun	1825–1832	Democratic-Republican, Democratic	No
8	Martin Van Buren	1833–1837	Democratic	Yes
9	Richard Mentor Johnson	1837–1841	Democratic	No
10	John Tyler	1841–1845	Whig	Yes
11	George M. Dallas	1845–1849	Democratic	No
12	Millard Fillmore	1849–1853	Whig	Yes
13	William R. King	1853	Democratic	No
14	John C. Breckinridge	1857–1861	Democratic	No
15	Hannibal Hamlin	1861–1865	Republican	No
16	Andrew Johnson	1865–1869	Democratic, Unionist	Yes
17	Schuyler Colfax	1869–1873	Republican	No
18	Henry Wilson	1873–1875	Republican	No
19	William A. Wheeler	1877–1881	Republican	No
20	Chester A. Arthur	1881–1885	Republican	Yes
21	Thomas A. Hendricks	1885	Democratic	No
22	Levi P. Morton	1889–1893	Republican	No
23	Adlai Stevenson I	1893–1897	Democratic	No
24	Garret A. Hobart	1897–1899	Republican	Yes
25	Theodore Roosevelt	1901–1905	Republican	Yes
26	Charles W. Fairbanks	1905–1909	Republican	No
27	James S. Sherman	1909–1912	Republican	No
28	Thomas R. Marshall	1913–1921	Democratic	No
29	Calvin Coolidge	1921–1925	Republican	Yes
30	Charles G. Dawes	1925–1929	Republican	No
31	Charles Curtis	1929–1933	Republican	Yes
32	John N. Garner	1933–1941	Democratic	No
33	Henry A. Wallace	1941–1945	Democratic	No
34	Harry S. Truman	1945	Democratic	Yes
35	Alben W. Barkley	1949–1953	Democratic	No
36	Richard Nixon	1953–1961	Republican	Yes
37	Lyndon B. Johnson	1961–1963	Democratic	Yes
38	Hubert Humphrey	1965–1969	Democratic	No
39	Spiro Agnew	1969–1973	Republican	Yes
40	Gerald Ford	1973–1974	Republican	Yes
41	Nelson Rockefeller	1974–1977	Republican	No
42	Walter Mondale	1977	Democratic	No
43	George H. W. Bush	1981–1989	Republican	Yes
44	Dan Quayle	1989–1993	Republican	No
45	Al Gore	1993–2001	Democratic	No
46	Dick Cheney	2001–2009	Republican	No
47	Joe Biden	2009–2017	Democratic	Yes
48	Mike Pence	2017–2021	Republican	No
49	Kamala Harris	2021–Present	Democratic	No

A list of the Vice Presidents of the United States of America

America has had a total of 49 presidents in its long history. Some of these vice presidents have gone on to become presidents of the USA. Here is how each vice president has contributed to the country. 

1. John Adams

John Adams served as the first Vice President under George Washington from 1789 to 1797. He was a member of the Federalist Party and played a significant role in shaping the early executive branch. Adams presided over the Senate and was an advocate for a strong central government. Notably, he helped establish diplomatic relations with Great Britain and negotiated the Treaty of Paris, ending the Quasi-War with France.

2. Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson, a Democratic-Republican, served as Vice President under John Adams from 1797 to 1801. His tenure was marked by ideological conflicts with the Federalist administration. Jefferson advocated for states’ rights and strict interpretation of the Constitution. As President of the Senate, he cast tie-breaking votes and criticized the Alien and Sedition Acts. Jefferson’s opposition to Federalist policies laid the groundwork for his presidency, where he emphasized agrarianism and contributed significantly to westward expansion. 

3. Aaron Burr

Aaron Burr, a Democratic-Republican, served as Vice President under Thomas Jefferson from 1801 to 1805. He is best known for his infamous duel with Alexander Hamilton, which resulted in Hamilton’s death. Burr’s vice presidency was marked by controversy, including allegations of treason and a failed conspiracy to establish a separate nation in the western territories. Despite his tarnished legacy, Burr’s legal career and political ambitions left a lasting impact on American politics.

4. George Clinton

George Clinton, a Democratic-Republican, served as Vice President under both Thomas Jefferson and James Madison from 1805 to 1812. He played a crucial role in the early development of the Democratic-Republican Party and advocated for states’ rights. Clinton’s tenure was characterized by his opposition to Federalist policies and his support for the War of 1812. As a respected leader in New York politics, Clinton influenced the party’s platform and contributed to the expansion of democratic principles.

5. Elbridge Gerry

Elbridge Gerry, a Democratic-Republican, served as Vice President under James Madison from 1813 to 1814. He is best known for his role in the controversial practice of gerrymandering, where electoral districts are manipulated for political gain. Gerry’s short-lived vice presidency was overshadowed by his association with the gerrymandering of Massachusetts’ electoral districts. 

6. Daniel D. Tompkins

Daniel D. Tompkins was a Democratic-Republican. He served as Vice President under James Monroe from 1817 to 1825. He played a significant role in securing New York’s electoral votes, which helped Monroe win the presidency. Tompkins focused on improving infrastructure and promoting internal improvements during his vice presidency. He also championed the abolition of slavery and supported the establishment of Liberia as a colony for freed African Americans. 

7. John C. Calhoun

John C. Calhoun, initially a Democratic-Republican and later a Nullifier and Democrat, served as Vice President under John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson from 1825 to 1832. A staunch advocate for states’ rights and a federalist, Calhoun became a prominent figure in the Nullification Crisis, asserting that states had the right to nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional. As a leading proponent of nullification, Calhoun’s vice presidency was marked by increasing tensions over issues such as tariffs and slavery.

8. Martin Van Buren

Martin Van Buren was a Democrat. He was the Vice President under Andrew Jackson from 1833 to 1837. Known as the “Little Magician” for his political acumen, Van Buren played a crucial role in shaping Jacksonian democracy and the Democratic Party. As Vice President, he supported Jackson’s policies, including the removal of Native Americans from their lands and the dismantling of the Second Bank of the United States. Van Buren’s successful tenure as Vice President propelled him to the presidency in 1837.

Also Read: 10 Largest Banks in USA

9. Richard Mentor Johnson

Richard Mentor Johnson, a Democrat, served as Vice President under Martin Van Buren from 1837 to 1841. He is best known for his controversial personal life, including his relationship with Julia Chinn, an enslaved woman whom he considered his common-law wife. Johnson’s vice presidency was unremarkable, and he faced criticism for his advocacy of Manifest Destiny and expansionism. 

10. John Tyler

John Tyler, initially a Whig and later an Independent, served as Vice President under William Henry Harrison from 1841 to 1845. His vice presidency was brief, as Harrison died just 31 days into his term, making Tyler the first Vice President to succeed to the presidency due to the death of a sitting president. As President, Tyler faced opposition from both Whigs and Democrats, who questioned his legitimacy and authority. Despite these challenges, Tyler’s administration saw significant achievements, including the annexation of Texas and the establishment of diplomatic relations with China.

11. George M. Dallas

George M. Dallas, a Democrat, served as Vice President under James K. Polk from 1845 to 1849. During his vice presidency, Dallas played a key role in managing relations with Mexico and overseeing the annexation of Texas. He supported Polk’s expansionist agenda, including the Oregon Treaty and the Mexican-American War. Dallas’s diplomatic efforts contributed to the acquisition of significant territories, shaping the westward expansion.

12. Millard Fillmore

Millard Fillmore, a Whig, became the Vice President under Zachary Taylor from 1849 to 1853. His vice presidency was uneventful, marked by his largely ceremonial role and minimal influence on policy decisions. However, Fillmore’s presidency, which began after Taylor’s death in 1850, saw significant legislative achievements, including the Compromise of 1850 aimed at fixing the issue of slavery. 

13. William R. King

William R. King, a Democrat, served as Vice President under Franklin Pierce for a brief period in 1853. King’s vice presidency was cut short by his death from tuberculosis just 45 days after taking office, making him the shortest-serving Vice President in U.S. history. 

14. John C. Breckinridge

John C. Breckinridge, a Democrat, was the vice president of James Buchanan from 1857 to 1861. A staunch advocate for states’ rights and slavery, Breckinridge’s vice presidency coincided with escalating tensions between North and South over the issue of slavery. He supported Buchanan’s efforts to maintain the Union, but ultimately aligned with the Confederacy during the Civil War.

15. Hannibal Hamlin

Hannibal Hamlin was a republican and became Vice President under Abraham Lincoln from 1861 to 1865. His vice presidency coincided with the outbreak of the Civil War, and he supported Lincoln’s efforts to preserve the Union and abolish slavery. Hamlin played a crucial role in rallying support for the Union cause and promoting the Emancipation Proclamation.

16. Andrew Johnson

Andrew Johnson, a Democrat-turned-Unionist, served as Vice President under Abraham Lincoln from 1865 to 1869. His vice presidency was cut short by Lincoln’s assassination in April 1865, which thrust Johnson into the presidency during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history. As President, Johnson faced immense challenges in navigating Reconstruction and reconciling the nation after the Civil War. 

17. Schuyler Colfax

Schuyler Colfax, a Republican, served as Vice President under Ulysses S. Grant from 1869 to 1873. His vice presidency coincided with the turbulent period of Reconstruction following the Civil War. Colfax supported Grant’s efforts to rebuild the South and protect the rights of newly freed African Americans. He also played a role in promoting economic development and westward expansion during this time. 

18. Henry Wilson

Henry Wilson, a Republican, was the vice president from 1873 until his death in 1875. A staunch abolitionist and advocate for workers’ rights, Wilson played a key role in shaping the Republican Party’s platform during the Reconstruction era. As Vice President, he focused on issues such as civil rights and veterans’ affairs, championing policies to support African Americans and Union soldiers.

19. William A. Wheeler

William A. Wheeler became vice president in 1877 and was a republican. His vice presidency was marked by efforts to heal the nation’s wounds following the Reconstruction era. Wheeler advocated for civil service reform and supported Hayes’s efforts to reconcile North and South. He also played a role in promoting economic development and infrastructure projects, particularly in the West. 

20. Chester A. Arthur

Chester A. Arthur, a Republican, served as Vice President under James A. Garfield from 1881 to 1885. His vice presidency was overshadowed by Garfield’s assassination in 1881, which thrust Arthur into the presidency. As President, Arthur pursued civil service reform and fought against political corruption, earning praise for his efforts to clean up the government. 

21. Thomas A. Hendricks

Thomas A. Hendricks, a Democrat, served under Grover Cleveland for a brief period in 1885. His vice presidency was cut short by his death from a stroke just eight months after taking office, making him one of the shortest-serving Vice Presidents in U.S. history. Despite his brief tenure, Hendricks had a distinguished political career, serving as Governor of Indiana and a U.S. Senator before becoming Vice President. 

22. Levi P. Morton

Levi P. Morton, a Republican, served from 1889 to 1893. His vice presidency coincided with a period of economic growth and expansion in the United States. Morton supported Harrison’s efforts to promote industrial development and expand American influence abroad. He also played a role in diplomatic negotiations and trade agreements aimed at opening new markets for American goods. 

23. Adlai Stevenson I

Adlai Stevenson I, a Democrat, served as Vice President under Grover Cleveland from 1893 to 1897. Stevenson supported Cleveland’s efforts to address the nation’s financial challenges and promote social justice. He also played a role in advocating for labor rights and supporting policies to alleviate poverty and inequality. 

24. Garret A. Hobart

Garret A. Hobart, a Republican, served as Vice President under William McKinley from 1897 to 1899. His vice presidency was marked by efforts to promote economic growth and expand American influence abroad. Hobart supported McKinley’s policies of protective tariffs and currency reform, which aimed to stimulate industry and protect American workers. 

25. Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt, one of the most successful presidents of the USA, and a Republican, served as Vice President under William McKinley from 1901 to 1905. Roosevelt advocated for progressive reforms and supported McKinley’s policies of economic growth and expansion. His leadership during the Spanish-American War and his efforts to promote conservation and regulate big business laid the groundwork for his presidency, during which he continued to champion progressive ideals and expand American power on the world stage.

26. Charles W. Fairbanks

Charles W. Fairbanks, served under Theodore Roosevelt from 1905 to 1909. His vice presidency coincided with a period of economic prosperity and technological innovation in the United States. Fairbanks supported Roosevelt’s policies of progressive reform and regulatory oversight, which aimed to address social and economic inequalities and promote the welfare of ordinary Americans. 

27. James S. Sherman

James S. Sherman was vice president from 1909 to 1912. Sherman supported Taft’s policies of protective tariffs and regulatory oversight, which aimed to stimulate industry and protect American workers. He also played a role in diplomatic negotiations and trade agreements aimed at expanding American influence abroad. Sherman’s tenure as Vice President contributed to the nation’s continued growth and solidified the Republican Party’s reputation as the party of progress and opportunity.

28. Thomas R. Marshall

Thomas R. Marshall was a Democrat. He served as Vice President under Woodrow Wilson from 1913 to 1921. His vice presidency coincided with a period of significant social and political change in the United States, including World War I and the passage of progressive reforms. Marshall supported Wilson’s policies of internationalism and regulatory reform, which aimed to promote peace and prosperity at home and abroad. 

29. Calvin Coolidge

Calvin Coolidge was the vice president of Warren G. Harding from 1921 to 1925. Coolidge was vice president during World War 1 and supported Harding’s policies of tax cuts and limited government intervention, which aimed to stimulate industry and promote free enterprise. He also played a role in diplomatic negotiations and trade agreements aimed at expanding American influence abroad. 

30. Charles G. Dawes

Charles G. Dawes, a Republican, served as Vice President under Calvin Coolidge from 1925 to 1929. Dawes supported Coolidge’s policies of fiscal responsibility and regulatory oversight, which aimed to promote economic growth and stability. He also played a role in diplomatic negotiations and trade agreements aimed at expanding American influence abroad. 

31. Charles Curtis

Charles Curtis, a Republican, served as Vice President under Herbert Hoover from 1929 to 1933. His vice presidency was marked by efforts to address the economic challenges of the Great Depression and restore confidence in the United States. Curtis supported Hoover’s policies of fiscal conservatism and regulatory reform, which aimed to stimulate industry and promote recovery. 

32. John N. Garner

John N. Garner, a Democrat, was vice president under Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1933 to 1941. Garner supported Roosevelt’s policies of economic relief and regulatory reform, which aimed to address the nation’s financial challenges and promote social justice. He also played a role in advocating for labor rights and supporting policies to alleviate poverty and inequality. Garner’s commitment to progressive ideals and social reform left a lasting impact on the Democratic Party.

33. Henry A. Wallace

Henry A. Wallace, a Democrat, served as Vice President under Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1941 to 1945. His vice presidency was marked by efforts to address the challenges of World War II and promote international cooperation and peace. Wallace supported Roosevelt’s policies of economic mobilization and diplomatic engagement, which aimed to defeat fascism and secure a lasting peace. 

34. Harry S. Truman

Harry S. Truman was a democrat, and he was vice president from 1945 to 1949. His vice presidency coincided with the end of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War. Truman played a crucial role in shaping post-war reconstruction efforts and implementing Roosevelt’s New Deal policies. Notably, Truman succeeded Roosevelt as President upon his sudden death in 1945, becoming the 33rd President of the United States. 

35. Alben W. Barkley

Alben W. Barkley, a Democrat, served as Vice President under Harry S. Truman from 1949 to 1953. Barkley supported Truman’s policies of containment and international cooperation to combat the spread of communism. He also played a role in advocating for civil rights and supporting efforts to address economic inequality. Barkley’s tenure as Vice President contributed to the consolidation of America’s position as a global leader.

36. Richard Nixon

Richard Nixon, a Republican, was Vice President under Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1953 to 1961. Nixon supported Eisenhower’s policies of containment and deterrence to counter Soviet influence and promote American interests abroad. He also played a role in advocating for civil rights legislation and supporting efforts to enhance America’s technological capabilities. Nixon’s tenure as Vice President set the stage for his later presidency and shaped American foreign and domestic policy for decades to come.

37. Lyndon B. Johnson

Lyndon B. Johnson was Vice president from 1961 to 1963. His vice presidency was marked by efforts to advance Kennedy’s New Frontier agenda and address pressing domestic and foreign policy challenges. Johnson supported Kennedy’s policies of civil rights and social welfare reform, which aimed to promote equality and opportunity for all Americans. He also played a role in managing America’s involvement in the Vietnam War and advancing Kennedy’s vision of a more just and prosperous world. 

38. Hubert Humphrey

Hubert Humphrey was a Vice President under Lyndon B. Johnson from 1965 to 1969. His vice presidency coincided with the height of the civil rights movement and significant social and political changes in the United States. Humphrey supported Johnson’s policies of social justice and economic opportunity, which aimed to address poverty and inequality. He also played a role in advocating for civil rights legislation and supporting efforts to expand access to healthcare and education.

39. Spiro Agnew

Spiro Agnew, a Republican, served as Vice President under Richard Nixon from 1969 to 1973. Agnew’s tenure was controversial, as he faced allegations of corruption and resigned from office in 1973 amid a tax evasion scandal. Despite his resignation, Agnew’s impact on American politics continued to be felt, as his confrontational style and populist rhetoric influenced subsequent generations of conservative politicians.

40. Gerald Ford

Gerald Ford was Vice President under Richard Nixon from 1973 to 1974. His vice presidency was brief but significant, as he succeeded Nixon as President following Nixon’s resignation in the wake of the Watergate scandal. Ford’s presidency was marked by efforts to heal the nation’s divisions and restore public trust in government. He granted Nixon a full pardon for any crimes he may have committed during his presidency, a decision that was controversial but aimed at promoting national unity. 

41. Nelson Rockefeller

Nelson Rockefeller, a Republican, served as Vice President under Gerald Ford from 1974 to 1977. Rockefeller supported Ford’s policies of fiscal responsibility and economic reform, which aimed to promote growth and stability. He also played a role in advocating for social welfare programs and supporting efforts to address environmental concerns. Rockefeller’s tenure as Vice President contributed to efforts to restore public trust in government and promote bipartisan cooperation.

42. Walter Mondale

Walter Mondale was vice president under Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 1981. Mondale supported Carter’s initiatives to address energy dependence, promote peace in the Middle East, and expand access to healthcare and education. He also played a role in advocating for civil rights and supporting efforts to combat poverty and inequality. Mondale’s tenure as Vice President contributed to the advancement of liberal ideals and the expansion of the federal government’s role in promoting social welfare.

43. George H. W. Bush

George H. W. Bush was Vice President from 1981 to 1989. Bush supported Reagan’s initiatives to cut taxes, reduce government regulation, and strengthen America’s military capabilities. He also played a role in advocating for free trade agreements and supporting efforts to promote democracy and human rights abroad. Bush’s tenure as Vice President set the stage for his later presidency and his efforts to promote a more compassionate and inclusive form of conservatism.

44. Dan Quayle

Dan Quayle was a republican. He was the Vice President under George H. W. Bush from 1989 to 1993. Quayle supported initiatives to promote economic growth, strengthen national defense, and address social issues such as crime and education. He also played a role in advocating for traditional family values and supporting efforts to reduce government regulation. 

45. Al Gore

Al Gore, a Democrat, served as Vice President under Bill Clinton from 1993 to 2001. Gore supported Clinton’s initiatives to promote economic growth, expand access to healthcare, and reduce government deficits. He also played a key role in advocating for internet development and technology innovation, which contributed to the growth of the digital economy. 

46. Dick Cheney

Dick Cheney was Vice president from 2001 to 2009. His vice presidency was marked by his influential role in shaping national security and foreign policy decisions in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Cheney supported Bush’s initiatives to combat terrorism, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. He also played a key role in advocating for expanded executive powers and enhanced surveillance measures to address security threats. 

47. Joe Biden

Joe Biden was a famous Democrat, served as Vice President under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017. Biden played a key role in advocating for the Affordable Care Act, economic stimulus measures, and efforts to combat climate change. He also led diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability in regions such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. 

48. Mike Pence

Mike Pence was a Republican. He served as Vice President under Donald Trump from 2017 to 2021. His vice presidency was marked by his support for Trump’s conservative policies and his role in advancing the administration’s agenda. Pence played a key role in advocating for tax cuts, deregulation, and conservative judicial appointments. He also led efforts to address immigration issues and promote religious freedom protections. 

49. Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris, the current Vice President is a Democrat. She has been serving as Vice President under Joe Biden since 2021. Her vice presidency is characterized by her historic role as the first woman, first Black woman, and first person of South Asian descent to hold the office. Harris has focused on addressing pressing issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, racial justice, and climate change. 

Conclusion

From the formative years of the Republic to the modern era, each Vice President has left their mark on American governance and society. Their roles have varied, their accomplishments diverse, but all have contributed to the enduring legacy of American democracy. 

Some of these vice presidents have brokered important treaties and contributed to improving diplomatic relations of the USA with other countries. In the future, these vice presidents will continue shaping the history of the USA. 

FAQs

Who was the first Vice President of the United States?

John Adams served as the first Vice President under President George Washington from 1789 to 1797.

How many Vice Presidents have become President?

Fourteen Vice Presidents have later served as President of the United States. Some of them include Lyndon B. Johnson and Joe Biden. 

Who was the only Vice President to resign from office?

Spiro Agnew resigned from the office of Vice President in 1973 amid allegations of bribery and tax evasion.

Who was the oldest Vice President to assume office?

Alben W. Barkley, who assumed office in 1949 at the age of 71, was the oldest Vice President to assume office.

Who was the first female Vice President of the United States?

Kamala Harris became the first female Vice President of the United States, serving under President Joe Biden, inaugurated in January 2021.