[flyfree]

I haven’t studied too closely the rationale behind the VP being the president of the Senate. Was the intention for the second most popular man in the nation to act as a sort of Prime Minister to counterbalance the president?

No, his role is to cast a tie breaking vote in case of disputes between the States that resulted in ties in the Senate. Remember, the Senate was suppose to be made up of 2 men selected by each State to represent that State on federal issues in the Senate. There is really no relationship at all with the Executive branch.

[Tublecane]

“No, his role is to cast a tie breaking vote in case of disputes between the States that resulted in ties in the Senate.”

Yes, but what about the clause that names the VP President of the Senate? What was the rationale behind that?

[Tublecane]

“There is really no relationship at all with the Executive branch.”

You assume the VP was meant to be a part of the executive branch. Unless the president kicks it, VPs have absolutely no Constitutional role in that branch.