Speaker of the House Pro Tempore

How many people in this Role?

1 Speaker of the House Pro Tempore

Who can run for this Role? 

Must be a Junior or Senior. Must have at least 1 year of experience participating in Youth and Government.

Main Role and Responsibilities

The Speaker of the House Pro Tempore is the back-up for the Speaker of the House. The Role performs the responsibilities of the Speaker as needed. When not needed, the Role is a House Representative.

Responsibilities include:

• Preside over the House of Representatives when the Speaker of the House is not available. 
• Manage debate by recognizing delegates who wish to speak and ensuring discussion follows the rules. 
• Rule on motions and points of order using parliamentary procedure. 
• Conduct votes on Bills, amendments, and procedural motions. 
• Remain neutral and impartial, giving supporters and opponents of legislation an equal opportunity to be heard. 

What skills are important for this Role?

• Confident public speaker. 
• Well-versed in parliamentary procedure. 
• Organized and able to think quickly under pressure. 
• Fair and impartial when managing debate. 
• Comfortable leading a chamber that can include more than 100 student legislators. 

Does this Role attend the Leadership Training beginning on Thursday?

No!

Election/Selection Procedure

The Speaker of the House Pro Tempore is an elected position. At either Caucus B or C (see Caucus Agenda) when the Role is put up for nomination by the Program Director:

1. Have someone from your delegation enter your name in nomination, this is done by entering your name in the chat.
2. After all nominations are in you will be asked to speak about why you want this role. Please be prepared to speak about your qualifications and why you think you would be the best person to fill this Role.
3. Then the election will be held, all those present will cast a vote, the candidate receiving the most votes will be announced as the winner of this Role.
4. The person receiving the second largest number of votes will be asked if they want to be the Pro Tempore, if they decline, we will ask other candidates.

Election Procedure for 2027—Will be elected during 2026 Youth and Government Weekend

During the 2026 program, the President of the Senate will be elected to serve for the following year.

To apply:

1. Complete the President/Speaker Nomination Form 
2. Complete the form which must include:
   1. Complete all of the questions
   2. Endorsement from your delegation Advisor
   3. Explain “why you believe you would be a good Speaker?”
3. Deadline to submit is noon on Saturday!
4. Prepare a speech about your qualifications to give at the Banquet on Saturday evening.