Impeachment

Definition

Impeachment is the formal process by which a sitting president, vice president, or other federal officials can be charged with misconduct and potentially removed from office. It serves as a critical check on executive power, ensuring accountability and adherence to the law within the highest levels of government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Impeachment is initiated in the House of Representatives, where a simple majority vote is required to approve articles of impeachment.
2. Once impeached, the official is tried in the Senate, where a two-thirds majority is needed for conviction and removal from office.
3. Only three U.S. presidents have been impeached: Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump, though none were removed from office.
4. Impeachment does not equate to removal; it is merely the charging process, and many officials have been impeached but ultimately remained in their positions.
5. The Constitution grants Congress the sole power of impeachment, emphasizing its role as a check on executive authority.

Review Questions

• How does the impeachment process begin and what role does the House of Representatives play?
  • The impeachment process begins in the House of Representatives, where members can introduce articles of impeachment against a federal official. The House Judiciary Committee typically investigates the allegations before drafting these articles. A simple majority vote in the House is then required to approve the articles of impeachment, effectively charging the official with misconduct and allowing for a trial in the Senate.
• What are the constitutional grounds for impeachment and how do they relate to executive accountability?
  • The constitutional grounds for impeachment are defined as 'high crimes and misdemeanors,' which encompass serious misconduct such as abuse of power or corruption. This standard emphasizes the importance of holding executive officials accountable for their actions while in office. By allowing Congress to initiate impeachment proceedings, the Constitution ensures that no one in a position of significant authority is above the law.
• Evaluate the implications of recent impeachments on public perception of presidential authority and accountability.
  • Recent impeachments have highlighted the contentious nature of presidential authority and raised questions about accountability in government. As political polarization increases, these proceedings can lead to differing interpretations of what constitutes impeachable offenses. The public’s response to these events reflects broader concerns about trust in government institutions and the balance of power, influencing future discussions on governance and legislative oversight.

Related terms

Articles of Impeachment: The specific charges or allegations brought against an official during the impeachment process, which outline the grounds for impeachment.

Senate Trial: The process that follows impeachment in the House of Representatives, where the Senate conducts a trial to determine whether to convict and remove the official from office.

High Crimes and Misdemeanors: A constitutional standard for impeachment that refers to serious misconduct, which may include abuse of power, bribery, or other offenses deemed significant enough to warrant removal from office.