Impeachment

Definition

Impeachment is a formal process by which a public official, especially in high governmental positions such as the president or a judge, is accused of unlawful activity, potentially leading to their removal from office. It serves as an essential check by the legislature on the executive and judicial branches of government.

Related terms

Legislative Branch:

The part of government responsible for making laws and having the authority to initiate impeachment proceedings.

Executive Branch:

One of the branches of government composed of the President and administrative agencies; officials within this branch can be subject to impeachment.

Judiciary Committee: A committee within legislatures that often has the role of conducting preliminary investigations into whether grounds for impeachment exist