Deputy Chiefs of the United States (Liberty Lives)

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The Deputy Chiefs of the United States serve as the second-in-command to the Executive Chiefs of the United States. Upon the beginning of their term, every Executive Chief nominates a Deputy Chief to be their vice president of sorts. When an Executive Chief dies or resigns from the council, the corresponding Deputy Chief takes his or her place. Additionally, if an Executive Chief is unable to vote or refuses to vote on a measure of the Council, the corresponding Deputy Chief casts a vote in their name. Lastly, the U.S. Senate chooses one of the Deputy Chiefs to serve as President of the Senate for terms of one year at a time.

Unlike OTL vice presidents, deputy chiefs are usually not listed on the election ticket with their executive. There's simply never been a need to do this- with three spots available at the top of the ticket, there's never been a need to balance the ticket with a deputy. Deputy chiefs are also not elected- they are appointed by executive chiefs (and have to be confirmed by the Senate). Since 1861, deputy chiefs that die or resign can be replaced in this same manner at any time during an executive chief's term.

While not on the level of the OTL Vice President, the position of deputy chief is still seen as a prestigious one. Serving as a deputy chief has the potential to introduce local and lesser-known politicians to the national stage. For this reason, U.S. representatives and state governors almost always accept appointments to be a deputy chief. For representatives, it allows them to stand out in front of their many constituents. For governors, it raises them from their local office into more national visibility. Senators usually accept appointments for these same reasons (and because it gives them a chance to be President of the Senate), but some senators have declined nominations because they feel comfortable and well-known in their current position. Perhaps the best example of the position elevating a politician's profile is Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln served as a deputy chief for four years under John C. Frémont, making many famous speeches and other remarks while serving in this role. This gave him the fame necessary to defeat William H. Seward for an executive chief nomination at the 1864 Republican National Convention, and he eventually went on to become one of the most prominent politicians ever.