When we think about the people who shaped American history, presidents usually come to mind. But what about the vice presidents? Often seen as “second in command,” some vice presidents have stepped out of the background to leave a major impact on the direction of the country. From the Founding Fathers to more modern leaders, a handful of vice presidents helped shape policies that affected the nation’s course. Here’s a look at nine vice presidents whose time in office made a lasting difference.
John Adams
John Adams, the first Vice President of the United States, found himself in a role with limited power. Yet he didn’t settle for simply being a figurehead. With his background as a statesman and his deep understanding of political philosophy, Adams influenced how the Constitution would be interpreted. Serving under George Washington, he helped shape how early American government functioned.
Adams was a strong believer in a balanced federal government. As vice president, he cast 28 tie-breaking votes in the Senate—the most by any VP in history—and he didn’t take these decisions lightly. His votes influenced how the balance of power was set up in this new government, reinforcing federalism and setting the stage for the vice president’s involvement in legislative matters. In the end, Adams helped carve out a role for future vice presidents as active participants in the legislative process.
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson, who served as vice president under Adams, had a strong ideological vision for America. Jefferson was a big advocate for limited government and state rights, but his most notable contribution wasn’t just his ideas—it was action.
During his time as vice president, Jefferson laid the groundwork for the Louisiana Purchase, one of the biggest land deals in American history. Through smart negotiations with France, Jefferson helped secure the Mississippi River, which was essential for trade, and doubled the country’s size. This wasn’t just about land; it was about ensuring the young country’s economic future. Jefferson’s work behind the scenes helped shape U.S. diplomacy, showing how negotiation and diplomacy could secure the nation’s interests.
Martin Van Buren
Known as the “Little Magician” for his political skills, Martin Van Buren faced one of America’s first big financial crises, the Panic of 1837. He was left to clean up the financial mess, and his approach to handling it had a lasting effect on U.S. economic policy.
Van Buren’s main focus was the Independent Treasury System, which kept government funds separate from private banks. He hoped this would make the economy more stable and prevent inflation from spiraling out of control. He also believed in limited government involvement in the economy, trusting the market to right itself over time. While his reforms didn’t bring immediate relief, they set a foundation for future economic stability and showed he was willing to take a long-term approach to solving financial issues.
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt’s vision for America was all about strength and global influence. Serving as vice president under William McKinley, Roosevelt was a huge advocate for a powerful navy, seeing it as essential to America’s place in the world. He wasn’t content with just increasing the number of ships—he wanted the U.S. navy to be state-of-the-art, able to compete with any other nation’s fleet.
Roosevelt’s policies included building modern battleships and making alliances with other naval powers. He saw a well-prepared military as the best way to keep peace, capturing this idea in his famous saying, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” Thanks to Roosevelt’s efforts, the U.S. became a formidable force at sea, setting the stage for its future as a global power.
Harry Truman
When Harry Truman became vice president in 1945, the world was on the brink of a major shift. World War II was coming to an end, but a new global conflict, the Cold War, was brewing. Truman, who would soon assume the presidency, played a key role in shaping America’s approach to this new era.
One of Truman’s major initiatives was the Truman Doctrine, which focused on containing communism by providing economic and military support to countries like Greece and Turkey. He saw that political stability relied on economic stability, which led to the Marshall Plan—an ambitious project to help rebuild Europe. Truman’s “Fair Deal” was a domestic extension of this approach, focusing on social welfare and economic growth at home. His policies helped position the U.S. as a leader during the Cold War and showed how the country could play a central role in supporting democracy worldwide.
Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson is perhaps best remembered for his role in the Civil Rights movement, but his influence began long before he became president. As vice president under John F. Kennedy, Johnson was instrumental in advancing civil rights policy from behind the scenes. Johnson had spent years in Congress and knew how to get things done. He used this experience to build coalitions and push civil rights to the front of the administration’s agenda.
Johnson didn’t wait for opportunities; he created them. His ability to negotiate and make deals was critical in preparing the ground for future civil rights legislation. His work as vice president set the stage for the sweeping civil rights changes he would champion as president, showing the power of the office in addressing social issues.
Al Gore
Al Gore, who served as vice president under Bill Clinton, brought environmental issues, especially climate change, into the spotlight. Gore’s commitment to ecological advocacy helped make sustainability a priority in U.S. policy.
As vice president, Gore pushed for renewable energy and took significant steps to reduce carbon emissions. He didn’t just talk about environmental issues—he put them on the national agenda, encouraging both the government and private sectors to adopt greener practices. Gore’s dedication to this cause inspired many Americans and set the stage for future environmental policies. His work showed how a vice president’s advocacy could influence policy and inspire public awareness around global challenges.
Dick Cheney
Dick Cheney, vice president under George W. Bush, was one of the most influential and, at times, divisive figures in modern American politics. Cheney was deeply involved in shaping defense policy, especially after the September 11 attacks, and he didn’t hesitate to push for proactive measures in national security.
Cheney championed reforms that strengthened the military and streamlined intelligence operations, making sure the U.S. was ready to address new and emerging threats. He also pushed for policies that connected energy security with national security, emphasizing the importance of reliable resources in defense strategy. Though opinions on Cheney are mixed, his time in office showed how a vice president could be an active force in shaping U.S. defense policy in complex times.
Joe Biden
Joe Biden’s experience in foreign policy and his commitment to social reform defined his time as vice president under Barack Obama. Biden was instrumental in the passage of the Affordable Care Act, which expanded healthcare access for millions of Americans. His advocacy didn’t stop there—Biden consistently supported policies that aimed to make healthcare more affordable and accessible.
In foreign policy, Biden’s experience as a long-time senator helped him strengthen U.S. relationships, particularly with NATO allies. He often advocated for diplomacy first, believing in the power of building strong international alliances. Biden’s influence on both domestic and international issues during his time as vice president shaped the direction of U.S. policy, showing how a vice president’s focus on social issues and diplomacy can make a lasting difference.
Conclusion
From John Adams’s role in early American governance to Joe Biden’s work on healthcare and diplomacy, these vice presidents each made significant contributions to U.S. policy. They transformed the vice presidency from a quiet office into a role that could shape the nation’s direction in profound ways. While the vice president might not be the star of the show, these leaders proved that the position can carry real weight and influence. As future vice presidents step into this role, they inherit a legacy of leadership and decision-making that continues to shape America’s place in the world.