Final answer:
A memo to a vice president from a department supervisor is a formal and direct communication covering specific issues or recommendations in connection with the vice president's duties and can serve as a record of advice or opinions for decision making.
Step-by-step explanation:
A memo written to a vice president from a department supervisor would be a professional and direct form of communication within an organization. This internal document typically addresses specific issues, updates, recommendations, or requests for guidance. Given the hierarchical nature of the communication, the tone is likely to be formal and respectful, while the content should be concise, to the point, and focused on matters relating to the duties and responsibilities of the vice president as well as the department.
The supervisor might use such a memo to clarify discrepancies in reports, as indicated by the question's reference to numbers that seem off. Additionally, memos can serve as a written record of opinions or advice sought by senior executives, in line with the constitutional provision for written opinions mentioned in the provided excerpts. They can also include recommendations for actions or leads for job candidates.
Furthermore, memos can report on progress of projects or initiatives, especially since vice presidents nowadays play substantive roles in the administration's projects and operations, reflecting the current trend of active vice presidential involvement in executive tasks. Within the U.S. president's cabinet, such documentation serves an essential function for maintaining communication and record-keeping among the cabinet members, including the vice president and department heads.