What is Impeachment?

Impeachment is a constitutional process used to address serious misconduct by federal officials, including the President. It is not about undoing an election but ensuring that those in positions of power are held accountable to the law and the Constitution.

How Does an Impeachment Proceeding Begin?

Impeachment begins in the House of Representatives, where specific charges, known as “Articles of Impeachment,” are drafted and voted on. If a simple majority of House members approve the articles, the process moves to the Senate for trial.

How Does the Senate Trial Work?

The Senate acts as a jury, with senators determining whether the individual is guilty of the charges outlined in the Articles of Impeachment. A two-thirds majority vote is required to convict and remove the official from office. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presides over the trial when the President is the individual being impeached.

Where Does the Power of Impeachment Come From?

Impeachment is a process established in Article I, Section 2, Clause 5 of the U.S. Constitution, which states that the House of Representatives has the “sole Power of Impeachment.”

After a federal officer has been impeached in the House of Representatives, Article I, Section 3, Clause 6 of the U.S. Constitution gives the Senate the sole power to try all impeachments.

Why Does Impeachment Exist?

The framers of the Constitution included impeachment as a safeguard against abuse of power. It ensures that no one, not even the President, is above the law. High crimes and misdemeanors, such as bribery, treason, and obstruction of justice, are grounds for impeachment. This process reflects the principle that public officials must uphold the trust and responsibilities of their office.