What is the primary purpose of the Speaker of the House when managing debates?

The primary purpose of the Speaker of the House when managing debates is to ensure fairness and order. This role is essential in facilitating a productive legislative environment where all members have the opportunity to voice their opinions and contribute to discussions. The Speaker oversees the proceedings, setting the agenda and recognizing members to speak, which helps maintain a structured debate. This approach fosters a democratic process where diverse viewpoints can be heard while also keeping the debate focused and respectful.

In contrast, promoting party agendas may be a natural inclination for the Speaker, but their fundamental role is not solely to advance specific political goals. Prolonging discussions could lead to inefficiency and chaos, countering the Speaker's responsibility to keep order. Similarly, controlling voting outcomes is not the primary focus of the Speaker; rather, they are tasked with ensuring that all debate procedures are followed fairly so that the voting process can be conducted appropriately.