Speaker (politics) facts for kids

A Speaker is an important person who leads meetings in some legislatures. A legislature is a group of people who make laws for a country or region. The Speaker usually leads the "lower house," which is one part of the legislature. Their main job is to make sure debates are fair and that rules are followed.

Speakers and presiding officers from various Commonwealth nations meet for a Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers Conference in Wellington, New Zealand, 1984

The Speaker in the United Kingdom

Leading the House of Commons

In the House of Commons of the United Kingdom, the Speaker is chosen by the other members of Parliament. This person is usually from the political party that is in power. However, once they become Speaker, they must leave their political party. This is because the Speaker needs to be neutral. Being neutral means they do not favor one side or another.

Fair Play and No Voting

The Speaker's job is to be fair to all members of Parliament. They make sure everyone gets a chance to speak and that debates follow the rules. Because they are neutral, the Speaker does not vote on new laws or decisions. This helps them stay unbiased. If a Speaker wants to be re-elected, other political parties usually do not try to stop them. This shows that everyone respects their neutral role.

The Speaker in Ireland

The Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann

In Ireland, the Speaker of the Dáil Éireann is called the Ceann Comhairle (pronounced "kyann kohr-lee"). Like the UK Speaker, the Ceann Comhairle is also neutral. They make sure that meetings in the Dáil Éireann are fair and orderly.

A Special Re-election Rule

The Irish constitution, called the Bunreacht na hÉireann, has a special rule for the Ceann Comhairle. This rule says that they do not need to run for re-election in the usual way. Instead, they are automatically given the first seat in their local area, called a constituency. This helps them stay neutral and focus on their important job without worrying about campaigning.

The Speaker in the United States

Leading the House of Representatives

In the United States House of Representatives, the Speaker has a different role. This Speaker is the leader of the political party that has the most members in the House. They are not neutral like the Speakers in the UK or Ireland.

A Political Role

The Speaker in the U.S. votes on laws and supports their party's ideas. They work to help their party's plans become law. The Speaker of the House serves a term of two years. This role is very important for guiding the direction of their political party in the House of Representatives.

Images for kids

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  Marshal's chair in the Sejm, the lower house of the Parliament of Poland

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  The Speaker's Chair in the UK House of Commons (19th century photograph)