Speaker of the U.S. House — Bunk History

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) points to a newly installed sign above his office after he was elected in 15 rounds of votes.

What Lessons Can the House Draw From 1923’s Speaker Battle?

The House speaker fight was eerily reminiscent of 1923 — but the differences between the two will drive what comes next.

by Christopher McKnight Nichols, Maxine Wagenhoffer via Made By History on January 9, 2023

Wide view of past members in the House of Representatives.

What History Tells Us About Kevin McCarthy’s Chances

One hundred years ago, a strong leader brought House rebels to the table to elect a speaker. Can McCarthy do the same?

by Joshua Zeitz via Politico Magazine on January 5, 2023

Kevin McCarthy looking anxious.

Back to the Future? Battling Over the Speakership on the House Floor

The history of speakership contests underscores the corner Kevin McCarthy is painted into and the corner any Republican House leader is likely to face.

by Jeffery A. Jenkins, Charles Stewart III via Broadstreet on January 3, 2023

When the House Needed Two Months and 133 Votes to Elect a Speaker

Kevin McCarthy's struggling bid to win the speakership has nothing on the epic 1856 contest that pitted abolitionists against proslavery members of Congress.

by Ronald G. Shafer via Retropolis on December 30, 2022

U.S. Capitol building.

The Messiest Speakership Battle in History

160 years ago, a similarly fractured GOP took months to settle on a speaker.

by Joshua Zeitz via Politico Magazine on September 30, 2015

House Speaker Thomas O'Neill Jr. talking to President Ronald Reagan

Which President Had The Most Shutdowns? Reagan, With An Asterisk

There were more government shutdowns under Ronald Reagan than under every president since, combined. But some were as short as a few hours.

by Gillian Brockell via Washington Post on September 23, 2023

Corey M. Brooks, Liberty Power: Antislavery Third Parties and the Transformation of American Politics. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2016.

#FEELTHEBIRNEY

The most important third party in the history of American politics is one you may never have heard of before.

by W. Caleb McDaniel via Commonplace on September 4, 2016

Making Impeachment Matter

Democrats need to face up to their constitutional duty without fear.

by Alex Pareene via The New Republic on November 21, 2019

Nancy Pelosi, Impeachment, and Places in History

Nancy Pelosi's reluctance to impeach Trump only denies the reality of his transgressions.

by Sean Wilentz via The New Yorker on July 11, 2019

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