History of the speaker of the house?

Answer 1

The original speaker was the Speaker of the House of Commons of the English Parliament (which became the British Parliament in 1707). Thomas Hungerford was the first recorded Speaker, although a presiding officer had been present for many years beforehand. Originally the Speaker was a spokesman, but they later took on the role of a chairman. Up until the 18th Century, the Speaker was in charge of the House. However, during this century the office of the Prime Minister evolved and the Speaker became a referee. In the middle of the 19th Century, it became established as an apolitical non-partisan position.

The US Constitution established the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, allowing the House to elect their Speaker. Speakers like Henry Clay and Joseph Cannon greatly increased the power of the position.

Answer 2

The current Speaker of the House of Representatives is John Boehner.