As in most countries with a British heritage, the speaker presides over the lower house of the legislature.

To be elected speaker a member must receive a majority of votes cast.

Only if the governor called for a special session is the Assembly convened earlier.

The speaker was always elected at the first meeting of the Assembly for the remainder of the term, expiring on June 30.

The assembly convened usually on the first Tuesday in January and elected the speaker, who stayed in office until December 31.