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What’s even more surprising is how often the vice presidency has been left vacant. In the 19th century, when a vice president died in office, there was no system in place to appoint a replacement. As a result, the position was left empty for long stretches of time—sometimes for years. During these periods, the nation operated without a vice president.
The history of the vice presidency is a reminder of how even crucial political roles can evolve and how their significance can change over time.