Who was the first person to become Vice President by being nominated by the President and then approved by Congress?

The first person to become Vice President through nomination by the President and subsequent approval by Congress was Gerald Ford. This unique situation arose in the wake of Spiro Agnew's resignation in 1973, who stepped down following a scandal. Nixon then nominated Ford to fill the vacancy, and he was confirmed by Congress, marking a significant precedent in the functioning of the vice presidency.

Prior to this, the Vice President was usually selected as part of the electoral process, along with the President, from the same party ticket. Ford’s confirmation reflects the constitutional provision allowing for presidential nominations to fill the vice presidency and illustrates how the political landscape can shift, necessitating alternative methods of succession. This process not only emphasized the checks and balances within the government but also highlighted the role of Congress in confirming such appointments.