Why do we elect a President and V.P.?

[royal]

The question that I have is this:
Why do we elect a President and a Vice President as a package deal?
Why don't we just have a race for President and the runner up becomes the V.P.? Would this change the way you vote? Would fence walkers be more apt to vote third party instead of 'holding their nose' and voting for anybody but him?
How many people actually cared about Cheney or Edwards? The election was between Bush and Kerry.
Just a question the day after another close race.

Tim

 

[F.Drew]

Might work since VP really doesn't do a whole lot but give speeches about anticipated/hopeful policy, but chances are slim. Obvious problem would be pesonality conflicts, another could be sabotage by the competing party, disagreements about policy decisions.