answersLogoWhite

0

The Speaker is the presiding officer of a legislative assembly in several countries. Some assemblies have a President or a Chairman instead.

The term originates from the British Parliament, where the Speaker of the House of Commons is responsible for presiding over debate. The Speaker does not vote (but they have a tie-breaker) and rarely gives a political opinion. All members (including the Prime Minister) address their speeches to the Speaker, and if two members want to talk at the same time, the Speaker decides who can go first. They also maintain discipline in the room, and are expected to be party neutral.

The US Congress adopted a Speaker for the House of Representatives. The American Speaker is the opposite - they are always the leader of the ruling party in the House. Furthermore, the Speaker usually does not preside, but chooses members of their own party to take it in turns.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?