Question

Explain the roles played by the members of the House and Senate leadership.

Answer 1

President of the Senate. The President is the Senate 's principal leader. The president will usually (1) preside over the Senate's regular sessions, (2) maintain order in the house, (3) state parliamentary motions, (4) rule on parliamentary issues, (4) nominate chairs and members of the committee, (5) refer bills to committee, (6) sign laws, writs and warrants, and (7) act as the official Senate spokesperson. The lieutenant governor serves as the president of the Senate in about 26 states, and many of those responsibilities are performed by the president pro tem.

President pro tem of the Senate. The primary functions assigned to the president pro tem are (1) presiding over the Senate in the absence of the president, (2) performing the president's powers and duties in his or her absence and (3) assuming other duties as delegated by the president. Often, this is an honorary position, with little assigned substantive duties. In states where the Senate is presided over by the lieutenant governor, the president pro tem normally performs duties associated with a president.

Speaker of the House or Assembly. The speaker is the principal leader of the House or Assembly. Usually, the speaker may (1) preside over the House or Assembly's regular sessions, (2) maintain order in the Chamber, (3) state parliamentary motions, (4) rule on parliamentary issues, (4) designate committee chairs and representatives, (5) refer committee bills, (6) sign laws, writs and warrants, and (7) act as the House or Assembly's official spokesperson.

Speaker pro tem. The primary functions assigned to the speaker pro tem are (1) presiding over the House in the absence of the president; (2) exercising the speaker's powers and duties in his or her absence; and (3) performing other duties as delegated by the speaker. This is an honorary position in some states, with few substantive duties ascribed.