John Adams was right, and the history of the office of Vice President is as pathetic as you outline.
If it weren't for the immense difficulty in making any change in the Constitution plus the gradually developed role of "balancing the ticket," owing to the bizarre nature of American elections with the Electoral College, the office would have long ago been eliminated.
But all that changed in recent years, the Founding Fathers never having imagined a moron like Bush being president.
There can be little question that Dick Cheney has served as de facto president, almost as though he had switched roles with Bush, leaving Bush with speeches and ceremonial roles.
This went so far as Bush wearing a listening device under his jacket at key times as at the 2004 candidates' debate. Pictures of Bush's jacket back show it clearly. He apparently also wore it during some summit meetings.
The device has a tiny clear tube to the back of his ear, enabling Cheney or others to suggest words to him.
