Candidates for Speaker are nominated from the House floor by the chairmen of their parties. Traditionally, one candidate from the majority party and one candidate from the minority party are selected. The candidates are elected by the Republican Conference and the Democratic Caucus at their early organizational meetings.

			The Speaker has many duties, such as presiding over the House floor. Can you name some of the Speaker's other duties?

What happens once the parties have nominated their candidates?

A viva voce roll call vote is held (a vote in which all Members-elect vote out loud when their names are called by the Clerk).

In this vote, the Members-elect call out the last name of their choice for Speaker.

The Clerk appoints Members-elect to serve as majority and minority party tellers (usually two from each party) to confirm the vote.

The Clerk announces the election of the Speaker.

The Clerk appoints a committee of Members to escort the Speaker-elect to the Speaker's chair.

The Sergeant at Arms announces the Speaker-elect, and the committee escorts the Speaker-elect to the Speaker's chair.

The unsuccessful candidate for Speaker (usually the minority leader) presents the Speaker-elect, and the Speaker-elect addresses the House.

The oath of office is administered to the Speaker-elect by the dean of the House, the Member who has served the most consecutive terms. The current dean is Representative John D. Dingell of Michigan.