Who is the top authority in the House of Representatives?

The Speaker of the House serves as the top authority in the House of Representatives. This individual is responsible for presiding over House sessions, managing legislative discussions, and representing the House to the President and the Senate. The Speaker has significant influence over the legislative agenda and is essential in facilitating communication between various factions within the House, including party leadership and committee chairs.

The role of the Speaker is not only to maintain order during debates but also to ensure that the House functions effectively in passing bills and resolutions. Additionally, the Speaker has the authority to appoint committee members and is often seen as the face of the House, holding a pivotal position in shaping policy and political strategy.

In contrast, the House Majority Leader and Minority Leader play supportive roles, focusing primarily on their respective party's interests and advancing their legislative goals. They do not possess the same level of authority or responsibilities as the Speaker. The term “House President” is not a recognized position within the House of Representatives, which further emphasizes the Speaker's singular role as the presiding officer. Therefore, the Speaker of the House is unequivocally the top authority in this legislative body.