"The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers...."
Comment: This provision was generally taken from the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780. It clearly establishes the House's power to choose its own leadership. The House of Representatives elects its Speaker first before the House formally adopts its rules of procedure for the legislative term. A candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast. The Speaker is the primary legislative leader of the body - as a result, the Speaker declares and defends the agenda of the majority party. The Speaker's role has largely been shaped by traditions and customs as the Constitution does not state the duties of the Speaker. Therefore, traditionally, the Speaker does not usually debate, vote, or sit on any standing committees. The Speaker has enormous power, which includes the power to appoint members and chairmen of committees, and the power to control the timing and content of bills brought before the house.
Primary Source. The Heritage Guide to the Constitution.
Primary Source. The Heritage Guide to the Constitution.
