The Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives is widely viewed as symbolizing the power and authority of the House of Representatives. This report, designed to aid in responding to student and constituent requests, summarizes the duties and the influence of the Speaker. The Speaker is most prominently the presiding officer of the House chamber, but he also fulfills at least two other roles. He is the leader of the majority political party in the House, and he is an elected Member of the House, representing a congressional district. This report discusses each of the Speaker's roles and examines why they combine to make the Speaker a powerful and respected institutional leader. The report concludes with a brief bibliography.
Ilona B. Nickels, Analyst in American National Government, Government Division
CRS 87-64 GOV
"January 27, 1987."
SuDoc # LC 14. 18/3
