Center For Civic Education
60 Second Civics: How Congress Functions: Pt. 8: The Speaker of the House
The Speaker of the House of Representatives wields a good deal of power. For example, the Speaker controls committee appointments and sits on the Rules Committee.
Center For Civic Education
60 Second Civics: How Congress Functions: Pt. 10: Political Party Control
The Speaker in the House of Representatives can exert strong control that emphasizes his or her party's agenda. For example, by appointing party members to chair committees, rather than members with seniority.