Question

Which principle best describes Mason’s concern? That unnecessary officer the Vice-President, who for want of other employment is made president of the Senate, thereby dangerously blending the executive and legislative powers…”

Answer 1

Mason's concern is about the separation of powers and the potential for the Vice President, acting as President of the Senate, to blur the lines between executive and legislative functions. The originally ceremonial role of the Vice President has evolved, allowing some to play a substantial role in governance and influence presidential decisions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Role of the Vice President

The principle that best describes Mason's concern is the separation of powers, which is a fundamental principle of the U.S. Constitution. The concern arises from the idea that the Vice President, as the President of the Senate, blends executive and legislative responsibilities, potentially compromising this separation. In the original intent of the framers, the Vice President's role was mostly ceremonial, with the main function to preside over the Senate and only vote in cases of a tie. However, over time, the role has evolved, with some Vice Presidents taking a more active role in governance, such as Vice President D k Cheney. This reflects a shift from the initial lesser role intended by figures such as John Adams, who found the position insignificant, to a more substantial role in the executive branch.