In the Westminster System the Speaker of the House of Commons (or, in some countries, the Speaker of the House of Representatives) controls the day to day running of the house. The speaker decides who may speak and has the powers to discipline members who break the procedures of the house. This position exists in nations such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

The speaker is elected from amongst the members of the assembly by the members, and no whips are allowed in the selection. Nonetheless, a speaker from the ruling party is usually chosen.

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