The Speaker of the House is the representative who presides over the House of Representatives. The Speaker is also the head of the majority political party in the House and after the Vice President is the next in line to succeed the President.Continue Reading
The Speaker of the House is the administrative head of the House but must also fulfill the duties of an elected representative.
The idea of the office of the Speaker comes from the British House of Commons during the 14th century. This office served as the voice of the House of Commons in meeting with the British monarchy and then the monarchy's voice back to the House. In 1789, the United States elected its first Speaker of the House, Frederick A.C. Muhlenberg of Pennsylvania.Learn more about Branches of Government