Impeachment

Definition

Impeachment is the formal process by which a sitting president or other high-ranking official is charged with misconduct, potentially leading to their removal from office. This process typically involves an investigation, the drafting of articles of impeachment, and a trial in the Senate, where a two-thirds majority vote is required for removal. The significance of impeachment lies in its role as a constitutional mechanism to hold leaders accountable and uphold the rule of law.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Impeachment is initiated in the House of Representatives, where a simple majority is needed to pass the articles of impeachment.
2. If impeached, the official is then tried in the Senate, where senators act as jurors and must decide whether to convict or acquit.
3. Only two U.S. presidents have been impeached: Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998; neither was removed from office.
4. Richard Nixon faced imminent impeachment due to the Watergate scandal but resigned before the House could vote on articles of impeachment.
5. Impeachment serves as a critical check on executive power, ensuring that no one is above the law, and maintaining accountability in government.

Review Questions

• What are the key steps involved in the impeachment process, and how do they contribute to accountability in government?
  • The impeachment process involves several key steps: initiation in the House of Representatives, drafting articles of impeachment, and conducting a trial in the Senate. Each step is designed to ensure that there is due process and thorough examination of evidence before an official can be removed from office. This system promotes accountability by requiring that serious allegations are investigated and decided upon by elected representatives, thereby preventing arbitrary removals based solely on political motivations.
• Discuss the historical context of impeachment in the United States and how it has evolved over time.
  • Impeachment in the United States has evolved significantly since its inception. Initially outlined in the Constitution, it was meant to provide a check on presidential power. The early cases, such as Andrew Johnson's impeachment, set precedents regarding what constitutes 'high crimes and misdemeanors.' Over time, with cases like those of Nixon and Clinton, public perception and political dynamics surrounding impeachment have shifted, leading to more contentious and polarized processes that reflect broader societal divisions.
• Evaluate the implications of Richard Nixon's resignation on public perception of impeachment and future presidential accountability.
  • Richard Nixon's resignation amid the Watergate scandal profoundly impacted public perception of impeachment and set a precedent for future presidential accountability. His decision to resign rather than face impeachment highlighted the seriousness of misconduct at high levels of government. This event led to increased scrutiny of presidential actions and greater awareness among citizens about their leaders' accountability. In subsequent years, it also fueled debates about the ethical standards expected of public officials and reinforced the importance of maintaining checks on executive power.

Related terms

Articles of Impeachment: Documents that outline the specific charges against an official being impeached, serving as the formal accusation.

Senate Trial: The phase of the impeachment process where the Senate conducts a trial to determine whether the accused official should be removed from office.

High Crimes and Misdemeanors: A phrase used in the Constitution that defines the grounds for impeachment, allowing for a broad interpretation of misconduct.