Final answer:
Eisenhower's statement about Nixon's preparedness for the presidency signifies the evolving role of the vice president from a ceremonial figure to an integral part of the governing team that is actively involved in important policy decisions and ready to assume the presidency if required.
Step-by-step explanation:
President Dwight Eisenhower's remark about Vice President Richard Nixon being involved in every important government conference underscored the evolving role of the vice presidency in United States governance. Historically, vice presidents often held more ceremonial roles or were used as mouthpieces for the administration. However, through the 20th century and into the 21st, presidents have often chosen to integrate their vice presidents more deeply into the everyday operations and decision-making processes of the White House. In the case of the Eisenhower administration, despite any personal ambivalence toward Nixon, Eisenhower ensured Nixon's readiness to govern, which was important given the vice president's constitutional role as successor.
From Gerald Ford's succession to Nelson Rockefeller's appointment under the 25th Amendment, and onward to more recent collaborations between presidents and their vice presidents, the office has gained significance. Vice presidents now frequently engage with major policy issues, serve as top advisors, and, in some cases like George W. Bush and Dic-k Cheney, wield considerable influence. The statement by Eisenhower reflects this trend towards a vice presidency that is more integral to the executive branch's functioning, preparing the vice president to take over swiftly if necessary.