Mackenzie Allen, the Vice President of the United States, ascends to the presidency when her predecessor suffers a fatal stroke. An independent, Mackenzie must face off with the ambitious Speaker of the House and face her critics.
Templeton attempts to meddle in Mackenzie's selection of a vice president.
Mackenzie must deal with the first crisis of her administration when a nine DEA agents in Latin America are murdered. And as Mac's kids begin attending public school, Horace assimilates well but Rebecca can't handle the attention by the press and feels isolated.
Mackenzie's first summit with the Russian president threatens to be overshadowed by Templeton's plan to have several cabinet members resign. He also threatens to run against her and win in the next election. Meanwhile, Rod must host his first state dinner as First Gentleman.
Just as Mac is announcing the name of her new National Security Advisor, news breaks that terrorists are caught smuggling weapons across the border with Canada.
A hurricane and a leaking oil tanker create the first major disaster Mac has to handle. Things come to a head between her and Templeton over how to handle the situation.
Someone in Mackenzie Allen's confidence is suspected of leaking information to a "tell-all" book. The confirmation hearings for Mac's appointment to Vice President begin.
Mackenzie appoints Rod her strategic planning advisor. Vince's test results reveal that he has HIV which Templeton plans to use against the administration. Mac ponders how to deal with dirt on Templeton that could ruin his career. Mac uses it as leverage to get him to back off the Vince story before having Vince go public with his HIV status and sexuality. Horace goes after Rebecca's boyfriend for spreading gossip about sleeping with her.
As Thanksgiving at the White House approaches, Mackenzie's mom, Kate Allen, comes to spend the holiday. Mac, in an effort to rise above the political fray, invites Nathan Templeton and his wife to join them for dinner.
Mac must seek the assistance of China when a sub has a collision just off North Korea. Dickie begins to grow wearisome with his constant pressing for details. Meanwhile, the President's next campaign is already being mulled over.
While racing against time to rescue the crew of a downed US submarine, Mac must also deal with pressure from advisors to act upon a hostile act by the North Koreans.
Mac and Templeton go west for the dedication of a presidential library, but Air Force One is soon hijacked by a guy who wants a dialogue with Mac. Meanwhile, Horace and Rebecca throw a bash.
The media makes it appear that the First Husband is fooling around with an intern just before Mac gives her first State of the Union Address.
Mac gives her support to old friend Carl Brantley in his run for Attorney General when his stance on crime is heavily criticized. Meanwhile, Vice President Keaton tries to use his knowledge to locate a planeful of weapons that disappeared over Pakistan, and Rod's new domestic life is abruptly changed when Kate vanishes without warning.
Mac uses all means necessary to make sure terrorists do not get their hands on surface-to-air missiles that have gone missing.
Mac's appendix bursts while flying on Air Force One. Since there is no vice-president in place, Templeton, the Speaker of the House, is sworn in. Templeton, who has been planning to run for president, uses this as his opportunity to handle an issue his own way, and oversteps his boundaries.
On her birthday, Mac is forced to deal with an American hostage situation in Turkey. Dickie feels very strongly about who Mac should pick to be her new Vice President. Mac's children don't know what to get her for a birthday present. Rebecca has a new IM buddy who turns out to be an unlikely friend.
A longtime outspoken critic of the Equal Rights Amendment dies, so Mac seizes the opportunity to pass the ERA and amend the Constitution. Mac also decides to participate in an event that is supposed to get more young people to vote, but instead turns into a sort-of presidential debate with Templeton.