Evaluating the effectiveness of Speakers requires us to take long trips back through history. Back to the late 1700s and the first Congresses and there difficult days of learning to govern our unique country. To Henry Clay and the evolution of the role of Speaker as a chief political leader for both Congress and the country.
There has been surprisingly little in-depth research into the role of Speakers in influencing policy and running the government. This may be because the typical Speaker is someone who is generally well liked or considered a good leader, but not so strong or good that they hold Presidential ambitions. The position is one of behind the scenes power.
Looking into the history of the role led me to an astounding book by Mary Follett titled The Speaker of the House of Representatives, written in 1896 (it can be found through Google Books here). The author looks specifically at the evolution of the position through an evaluation of the men who were elected Speaker and their beliefs, approach to governing and personal capabilities. All in all she takes a very similar approach to the one we are attempting here.
Mary Follett highlights seven Speakers of the 32 that held the post prior to 1891:
- Henry Clay
- James Polk
- Nathaniel Banks
- Schuyler Colfax
- James Blaine
- Samuel Randall
- John Carlisle
- Thomas Reed
Each of these Speakers were selected as notable for different reasons but they all share some similar characteristics. All but Banks served multiple terms, they all evolved the role of Speaker and they all were capable of setting the political agenda of both Congress and the country.
Since the writing of her book there have been some other analyses but none taken from a more biographical bent. Newt Gingrich particularly renewed interest in the role of Speaker with the Contract with America – specifically looking to set the political agenda for Congress and the country.
My Power Ranking is continuing to develop, I’ll keep you posted as it advances.
0 Comments.