The mace (foreground) is the symbol of the speaker of the House's authority and is carried by the serjeant at arms as he leads the speaker into and out of the debating chamber. The mace had its origins in medieval England, in the weapons carried by the serjeants at arms, who were bodyguards to the king, and had the power to arrest without a warrant.
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Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives
Photograph by Todd Crawford
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