<P> Unlike in Westminster style legislatures or as with the Senate Majority Leader, the House Majority Leader's duties and prominence vary depending upon the style and power of the Speaker of the House . Typically, the Speaker does not participate in debate and rarely votes on the floor . In some cases, Majority Leaders have been more influential than the Speaker; notably Tom DeLay who was more prominent than Speaker Dennis Hastert . In addition, Speaker Newt Gingrich delegated to Dick Armey an unprecedented level of authority over scheduling legislation on the House floor . </P> <P> The current Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, of the United States House of Representatives serves as floor leader of the opposition party, and is the counterpart to the Majority Leader . Unlike the Majority Leader, the Minority Leader is on the ballot for Speaker of the House during the convening of the Congress . If the Minority Leader's party takes control of the House, and the party officers are all re-elected to their seats, the Minority Leader is usually the party's top choice for Speaker for the next Congress, while the Minority Whip is typically in line to become Majority Leader . The Minority Leader usually meets with the Majority Leader and the Speaker to discuss agreements on controversial issues . </P> <P> The Speaker, Majority Leader, Minority Leader, Majority Whip and Minority Whip all receive special office suites in the United States Capitol . </P> <P> The floor leaders and whips of each party are elected by their respective parties in a closed - door caucus by secret ballot . The Speaker - elect is also chosen in a closed - door session although they are formally installed in their position by a public vote when Congress reconvenes . </P>

Top 5 leadership positions in the house of representatives