Guided Reading 5.2 The House Of Representatives

responsibility of speaker of the house

>appoints members.

>follows the v.p in the line of succession to the presidency.

>most powerful leader.

>presiding officer of the house.

responsibilities of the majority leader

>helps plan the party's legislative program.

>steer important bills through the house

> makes sure the chairperson of the many committees finish work on bills important to the party

>floor leader of his/her political party in the house.

responsibilities for the minority leader

> elects its own leaders.

>responsibilities are the same as majority party leaders.

>no power over scheduling work in house.

responsibilities for the whips

> assistant floor leaders.

>watch how majority party members intend to vote on bills.

>persuades them to vote as the party wishes.

>sees that part members are present to vote.

responsibilities of house rules committee

> can move bills ahead quickly, hold them back, or stop them completely.

>include a time limit for debate on the bill and specify how much the bill may be amended on the floor.

>settles disputes among other house committees.