WASHINGTON — Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will take office in January as a historic first, shattering a glass ceiling and becoming one of the most powerful women in the United States.

But as President-elect Joe Biden fills out his administration, divvying up responsibilities, Harris is at risk of falling into a vice presidential trap as old as the office: holding a job with no specific responsibilities and no clear duties beyond appearing at ceremonial events.

One of her first challenges will be ensuring that she doesn't get relegated to the fringes of an administration filling up with longtime Biden allies and advisers, as has happened with past vice presidents, who have found themselves on the outside of major decisions and unable to secure achievements.