What Does The Speaker Of The House Do

Understanding the Role of the Speaker of the House

As of 2024, the Speaker of the House of Representatives holds a pivotal position in the United States government. The controversy surrounding the Speaker’s role has shed light on the significance of this elected official in Washington. While the Constitution provides limited guidance on the Speaker’s position and the selection process, the Speaker plays a crucial role in the functioning of the House of Representatives.

Selection Process and Controversies

The Speaker is typically chosen during party meetings before the commencement of a new Congress. The House then confirms the selection through individual voice votes, with the clerk of the House overseeing the process. Historically, secret ballots were used for voting until 1839. However, the election of the Speaker has not been contested on the House floor since 1923 until January 2024, when Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s removal marked an unprecedented event in Congressional history.

McCarthy’s removal in 2024 was initiated through a motion to vacate, a rarely used tactic dating back to Thomas Jefferson’s A Manual of Parliamentary Practice. This motion allows a representative to call for a vote to vacate the Speaker’s chair, requiring a majority to oust the Speaker. The House voted 216-208 to vacate McCarthy’s chair, leading to Rep. Patrick McHenry serving as the acting Speaker Pro Tempore.

Constitutional Role of the Speaker

Article 1, Section 2 of the Constitution outlines a broad role for the Speaker, emphasizing the House’s power to choose its Speaker and other officers. The Speaker is envisioned as a parliamentarian and peacekeeper, akin to the Speaker in the British House of Commons. Over the years, the Speaker’s role has evolved to encompass various constitutional responsibilities.

Today, the Speaker serves as the leader of the majority party in the House, wielding significant influence in Washington. The Speaker controls the House’s institutional business, plays a crucial role in negotiations with the president and the Senate, and oversees the legislative process, including the power of taxation and spending. Additionally, the Speaker stands second in line to the presidency, as per the Presidential Succession Act of 1947.

Historical Evolution and Prominent Speakers

Since Henry Clay assumed the role of Speaker in 1811, various Speakers have employed different leadership styles to navigate the complexities of the position. The size of government has expanded over time, adding layers of complexity to the Speaker’s responsibilities. Notable Speakers throughout history include Schuyler Colfax, James G. Blaine, Tip O’Neill, and Newt Gingrich, with James Knox Polk being the only former Speaker elected as president.

Rules governing the Speaker’s role have undergone significant changes since 1789. Initially, the Speaker refrained from speaking during debates and only intervened in parliamentary matters. However, speakers like Clay and subsequent leaders gradually assumed a more active role in floor debates and voting processes. Notably, the Speaker’s right to vote on all House matters was not established until 1850.

House Leadership Structure

Aside from the Speaker, the House leadership includes the majority leader, minority leader, and party whips. The majority leader, elected every two years, serves as the second-in-command to the Speaker and plays a crucial role in scheduling legislative activities and advancing the party’s agenda. Similarly, the minority leader represents the loyal opposition and safeguards minority party interests in the House.

Party whips, elected during party meetings, assist in coordinating party activities, counting votes, and ensuring communication between party leadership and members. Their role is vital in maintaining party cohesion and advancing legislative priorities. The House leadership structure, with the Speaker at its helm, plays a pivotal role in shaping legislative outcomes and governing the House of Representatives.