The House of Representatives shall choose their speaker[1] and other officers;[2] and shall have the sole power of impeachment[3]._
[1] Called so in imitation of the title of the presiding officer of the British House of Commons, who was originally called the speaker because he acted as spokesman in communicating to the king the wishes of the House.
The speaker is chosen by ballot from among the members, and serves during the pleasure of the House. At the beginning of each congress a new election is held. A speaker may be re-elected. Henry Clay served as speaker for ten years.
The duties of the speaker are prescribed by the rules of the House. So far, he has always appointed the committees. As the work of legislation is largely shaped by committees, it may be fairly asked whether any one else can so affect the legislation of the country as can the speaker—whether, indeed, he has not too much power.
[2] The most important "other officers" are the clerk and the sergeant-at-arms.
The clerk, as his title would indicate, has charge of the records of the
House. He has a number of assistants.
The sergeant-at-arms acts under the orders of the speaker in keeping order and in serving processes. His duties in the House resemble those of the sheriff in court.
The doorkeeper, postmaster, and chaplain, have duties indicated by their titles.
These officers are elected by the House and serve during its pleasure, usually two years. Assistants are appointed by the officers whom they assist.
None of these officers are members of the House.