Despite being the highest-ranking position in the House, when John Boehner resigned as Speaker of the House in 2015 the party had to work hard to draft a candidate other than the Majority Leader to fill the role. Given the power and influence we have discussed in this class, why would a member not want to be Speaker of the House?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is There are several reasons why a member may not want to be Speaker of the House, despite it being the highest-ranking position in the House.

Firstly, the role of Speaker of the House comes with immense pressure and responsibility. The Speaker is responsible for leading the House of Representatives, maintaining order during debates, and representing the House to the President and the Senate. This level of responsibility can be overwhelming for some members, especially those who may prefer to focus on specific policy issues rather than managing the entire legislative body.

Additionally, the Speaker of the House is often at the center of political conflicts and controversies. They are responsible for making tough decisions and navigating the often contentious political landscape. This can lead to increased scrutiny and criticism from both within and outside of their own party.

Furthermore, the Speaker of the House is expected to maintain party unity and discipline, which can be a challenging task, especially in a politically polarized environment. This may require the Speaker to make decisions that are not always popular among their colleagues or constituents.

Finally, the Speaker of the House is subject to the same electoral pressures as any other member of Congress. They must constantly campaign for re-election and maintain their standing within their district, which can be a daunting task given the demands of the Speaker's role.

Overall, while the position of Speaker of the House comes with significant power and influence, it also comes with a high level of responsibility, scrutiny, and pressure, which may make it a less desirable role for some members of Congress.

Despite Being the Highest-Ranking Position in the House, When John