At the convening of the House of Representatives and the Senate of each General Assembly the Secretary of State and the Governor, as required by the Constitution, shall call the House of Representatives and the Senate to order and shall preside until a Speaker and President are chosen and have taken their seats. For the purpose of the organization and operation of the House of Representatives, the rules adopted by and applicable to the regular session of the House of Representatives of the preceding General Assembly, insofar as such rules may be applicable, shall prevail and be the rules governing the House of Representatives of the General Assembly then convened, until such rules are changed or new rules adopted.