Describe the Powers of the Speaker of the House, the Majority and Minority Leaders, and the Whips: What Limits to Their Leadership Powers Exist in the Respective Parties, Essay Example

The Speaker of the United States House of Representatives presides over the United States House of Representatives. It does not mean, however, that the speaker presides over debates – this responsibility is usually delegated to other members of the Congress of the same political party. The Speaker of the House belongs to the majority party and works to promote its legislative projects. The Speaker is also a decisive figure in the administrative and procedural functioning of the Congress. Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, is the current Speaker.

The Majority Leader of the United States House of Representatives is the elected leader of the party represented by the majority in the house. The Majority Leader promotes the goals of the majority party working in cooperation with the Speaker of the House and the Majority Whip (someone who makes sure all party members are present when important issues are voted upon and keeps track of all legislation). He / she also schedules legislation for floor considerations and plans regular legislative agendas. The Majority Leader can serve for no longer than six years.

The Minority Leader is the elected leader of the minority party. It is his / her responsibility to discuss controversial issues with the Majority Leader and the Speaker.