Speaker of the House

As the highest-ranking member of the House, the Speaker is elected by a vote of the members of the House. While it is not required, the Speaker usually belongs to the majority political party.

The Constitution does not require that the Speaker be an elected member of Congress. However, no non-member has ever been elected Speaker.

The Speaker of the House serves as the presiding officer of the House. In this capacity, the Speaker:

*Calls meetings of the House to order
*Administers the oath of office to new members
*Ensures that order and decorum are maintained on the floor of the House and in the visitor galleries
*Makes rulings on disputed House procedures and parliamentary issues

As any other Representative, the Speaker may take part in debates and vote on legislation, but traditionally does so only in exceptional circumstances — such as when his or her vote could decide very important issues (like resolutions declaring war or amending the Constitution).

The Speaker of the House also:

Appoints the chairpersons and members of standing House committees and select and special committees
Appoints a majority of members to the important House Rules Committee
Exerts power over the legislative process by setting the House legislative calendar determining when bills will be debated and voted on
Often utilizes this power to help fulfill his or her responsibility of making sure bills supported by the majority party are passed by the House

Perhaps most clearly indicating the importance of the position, the Speaker of the House stands second only to the Vice President of the United States in the line of presidential succession.

https://www.thoughtco.com/speaker-of-the-house-of-representatives-3322310