How are vacancies in the vice presidency filled?

• A. New vice presidents are selected in a national special election called for that purpose.
• B. Vacancies in the vice presidency are not filled; they remain vacant until the next presidential election.
• C. New vice presidents are nominated by the president and approved by both houses of Congress.
• D. New vice presidents are selected by a vote of the Electoral College.

Answer: (C)

When a vacancy in the vice presidency occurs, the president nominates a successor who then must be approved by a majority in both the Senate and the House. This process, codified by the 25th Amendment (Section 2) in 1967, ensures a legitimate and timely filling of the office without waiting for the next election. The Electoral College doesn’t decide VP vacancies, and there isn’t a national special election for the vice presidency; vacancies are filled through this presidential nomination and congressional confirmation.