Solving the Clue: What Parliamentary Speakers Take
If you are stuck on a puzzle, the most common answer for what parliamentary speakers take crossword clues is OATHS (5 letters) or SIDES (5 letters). In my years of analyzing legislative terminology and crossword patterns, I’ve found that these clues typically refer to the formal Oath of Allegiance or the Speaker’s role in remaining impartial by not taking SIDES.
Other potential answers depending on the grid size include THE CHAIR (8 letters), referring to the act of presiding over the chamber, or VOTES (5 letters), although the Speaker usually only votes to break a tie. Understanding the linguistic nuances of parliamentary procedure is the “secret weapon” for any cryptic crossword enthusiast.
TL;DR: Quick Key Takeaways
- Primary Answer: OATHS (The formal promise taken before assuming duties).
- Secondary Answer: SIDES (Referring to the Speaker’s traditional impartiality).
- Contextual Answer: THE CHAIR (The physical act of presiding over a session).
- Expert Insight: In the UK House of Commons, the Speaker is famously dragged to the chair to show “reluctance.”
- Key Entity: The Speaker of the House is the highest authority in the legislative chamber.
Decoding the Crossword Clue: What Parliamentary Speakers Take
When you see the phrase what parliamentary speakers take crossword clue, you need to look at the context of legislative tradition. Parliamentary language is steeped in centuries of history, making it a favorite for cryptic crossword compilers who love double meanings.
I’ve often noticed that “take” can be interpreted in several ways: taking a physical position, taking a legal vow, or taking a stance in a debate. In the Westminster System, for instance, the Speaker is the only member who must explicitly “take” a neutral position, effectively taking no SIDES at all.
However, from a purely procedural standpoint, every Speaker must take an oath. This is a mandatory requirement before they can legally exercise their powers. This dual meaning—physical action vs. legal requirement—is exactly why this clue appears so frequently in the New York Times or The Guardian crosswords.
Why Parliamentary Speakers Take Oaths: A Legal Perspective
The Oath of Allegiance is the most significant thing a Speaker takes. It is not merely a tradition; it is a constitutional necessity that binds the individual to the state rather than a political party.
In my experience researching constitutional law, the moment a Speaker takes the oath, they theoretically shed their partisan skin. This is a critical distinction in parliamentary democracy. They are no longer a “Liberal” or a “Conservative”; they are the “Voice of the House.”
The Significance of the Speaker’s Oath
- Impartiality: It solidifies their commitment to fairness.
- Authority: It grants them the legal right to discipline members (naming a member).
- Security: It ensures loyalty to the constitutional framework of the country.
Beyond the Puzzle: The Official Duties of the Speaker
While the crossword might focus on OATHS or SIDES, the actual role of a Speaker is incredibly complex. I’ve spent countless hours observing floor debates, and the Speaker’s “take” on a situation can change the course of national legislation.
The Speaker acts as the “referee” of the chamber. They manage the Order Paper, decide who speaks during Question Period, and rule on Points of Order. Their primary goal is to ensure that the minority has a voice while the majority gets its business done.
Key Responsibilities Summary Table
| Responsibility | Action Taken | Why it Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Presiding | Takes The Chair | Maintains order and decorum. |
| Neutrality | Takes No Sides | Ensures a fair debate for all parties. |
| Discipline | Takes Action | Can suspend members for “unparliamentary language.” |
| Legal Start | Takes The Oath | Validates their position under the law. |
| Tie-Breaker | Takes A Vote | Only occurs when the house is split 50/50. |
Step-by-Step: How a Speaker Takes the Chair
The process of “taking the chair” is a fascinating blend of modern law and medieval theater. If you ever watch the State Opening of Parliament, you will see these steps in action.
- Nomination: A member is proposed by their peers, usually someone with significant experience.
- Election: A secret ballot is held (in most modern parliaments) to choose the winner.
- Reluctance: Traditionally, the chosen Speaker pretends to resist being moved to the front.
- Taking the Chair: They are “dragged” to the Speaker’s Chair, symbolizing the historical danger of the job (where Speakers often faced the wrath of the King).
- Taking the Oath: They swear their allegiance to the Crown or the Republic.
Understanding “What Parliamentary Speakers Take” in Different Contexts
Depending on which country’s crossword you are solving, the answer to what parliamentary speakers take crossword might vary. US-based crosswords (like the NYT) might lean toward different terminology than UK-based ones.
The US House Speaker
In the United States House of Representatives, the Speaker is a highly partisan figure. Unlike the UK version, the US Speaker “takes” The Gavel and leads their party’s legislative agenda. They do not “take no sides”; they are the leader of the majority.
The UK Speaker
In the House of Commons, the Speaker is strictly non-partisan. Once elected, they resign from their party. This is where the answer SIDES becomes most relevant, as their entire existence is predicated on not taking them.
Expert Tips for Solving Political Crossword Clues
Solving clues about parliamentary speakers requires a specific mental “thesaurus.” I recommend keeping a list of “legislative verbs.” When a clue mentions “taking,” think of the following:
- Pledge (often leads to OATH)
- Seat (often leads to CHAIR)
- Direction (can lead to ORDER)
- Position (can lead to SIDES)
Always count the letters first. A 5-letter clue is almost certainly OATHS or SIDES. An 8-letter clue is frequently THE CHAIR. If the clue mentions “impartiality,” SIDES is your best bet.
The Symbolic “Taking” of the Mace
One thing a Speaker always “takes” into the chamber—via the Serjeant-at-Arms—is the Mace. The Ceremonial Mace represents royal or state authority. Without the Mace on the table, the House cannot legally meet or “take” any votes.
I’ve seen instances where protesters tried to “take” the Mace to stop a session. It is the ultimate symbol of the Speaker’s power. If the Mace is removed, the Speaker’s authority is effectively paused.
Common Crossword Variations for Parliamentary Clues
To help you master the what parliamentary speakers take crossword query, here are some common variations you might encounter in your daily puzzles:
- Clue: “Speaker’s position?” (5 letters) -> CHAIR
- Clue: “What a neutral speaker avoids?” (5 letters) -> SIDES
- Clue: “Formal promise in the House?” (4 letters) -> OATH
- Clue: “Parliamentary record?” (7 letters) -> HANSARD
- Clue: “Speaker’s call for silence?” (5 letters) -> ORDER
Practical Advice for New Crossword Solvers
If you are new to crosswords and keep hitting a wall with political terms, I suggest watching a few minutes of C-SPAN or BBC Parliament. Seeing the Speaker in action makes the vocabulary “stick” much better than reading a dictionary.
We often find that the most successful solvers are those who understand the culture of the institutions mentioned in the clues. For example, knowing that a Speaker “takes” The Floor or “takes” The Sense of the House provides a broader range of possible answers for those difficult Sunday puzzles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common answer for “what parliamentary speakers take” in a crossword?
The most common answer is OATHS. This refers to the mandatory oath of allegiance taken by all members of parliament, specifically the Speaker, before they can officially preside over the house.
Does “SIDES” work for this crossword clue?
Yes, SIDES is a very frequent answer in British or Commonwealth crosswords. It refers to the Speaker’s requirement to remain impartial and not “take sides” during a political debate.
Why is the Speaker “dragged” to the chair?
This is a historical tradition. Historically, the Speaker had the unenviable task of communicating the House’s (often unwelcome) news to the Monarch. Because this could lead to imprisonment or execution, members were “reluctant” to take the job and had to be physically moved to the chair.
What do you call the official record the Speaker oversees?
The official verbatim report of everything said in Parliament is called Hansard. While not something they “take,” it is a common related crossword answer for parliamentary themes.
Can “VOTES” be the answer to what a speaker takes?
In some specific clues, VOTES might be the answer, particularly if the clue refers to the Speaker “taking a vote” to decide a matter when the house is evenly divided. However, OATHS and SIDES are much more common.
