Members of the House of Representatives vote for and elect the Speaker of the House on the opening day of the 111th Congress.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the role of the Speaker of the House? What is the role of the Minority Leader? Who were the two nominees for Speaker of the House? What were their roles in the 110th Congress?
2. Describe the process of how members cast their vote. Is this similar or dissimilar to how members typically vote on legislative matters?
3. Click here to watch the results of the vote. Who won? According to Susan Ferrichio, was this a surprise? Why?
4. Click here to watch the opening speeches by the Speaker of the House and the Minority Leader. What is the significance of the Minority Leader presenting the Speaker with the gavel?
5. Click here to view the opening speech from Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) at the beginning of the 110th Congress. What was significant about her election? Compare and contrast Speaker Pelosi's speeches. Consider the issues she addresses. Are they different or similar?