The Speaker of the House plays a crucial role in legislative bodies, primarily in the U.S. Congress. They are responsible for maintaining order during sessions, overseeing legislative discussions, and ensuring that rules and procedures are followed. The Speaker also manages the flow of legislation, decides which bills to prioritize, and acts as a key representative of their party. Furthermore, the Speaker has significant influence over committee assignments and is involved in high-level negotiations with the executive branch and other parties, which impacts the legislative process.