Articles of impeachment

Definition

Articles of impeachment are formal charges brought against a sitting president or other federal officials, initiating the impeachment process. These articles outline the specific allegations of wrongdoing, such as treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors, which can lead to removal from office. The articles serve as the foundation for the impeachment trial, where the Senate evaluates the evidence and decides whether to convict or acquit the official.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Articles of impeachment must be approved by a simple majority in the House of Representatives before they can proceed to a Senate trial.
2. The Constitution does not specify how many articles of impeachment can be brought; there can be multiple charges against an official.
3. Each article must clearly state the charge and provide details supporting the allegation, allowing for a thorough examination during the Senate trial.
4. Once articles of impeachment are approved, the President is formally notified and may respond to the charges during the Senate proceedings.
5. If the Senate convicts the official on any article by a two-thirds majority vote, they are removed from office; otherwise, they remain in their position.

Review Questions

• What is the significance of articles of impeachment in the overall impeachment process?
  • Articles of impeachment are crucial because they set the stage for the entire impeachment process. They outline specific allegations against a federal official, detailing why they are being impeached. Once these articles are passed by a majority in the House, they lead directly to a Senate trial where those charges are evaluated. The clarity and detail in these articles can significantly influence how seriously the Senate considers the case.
• How does the approval process for articles of impeachment differ from that of legislation?
  • The approval process for articles of impeachment differs from standard legislation mainly in its purpose and requirements. While regular legislation requires a simple majority vote in both the House and Senate, articles of impeachment only need approval from a majority in the House. After passing in the House, these articles then proceed to a Senate trial, where a two-thirds majority is needed for conviction, making it a much more stringent requirement than typical legislative votes.
• Evaluate how past instances of articles of impeachment have shaped public perception and constitutional interpretation regarding presidential accountability.
  • Past instances of articles of impeachment, such as those against Presidents Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Bill Clinton, have significantly shaped public perception about presidential accountability and constitutional interpretation. Each case has highlighted different standards for what constitutes 'high crimes and misdemeanors' and has sparked debates about executive power and its limits. The outcomes of these impeachments have influenced how future actions by presidents are viewed, with citizens becoming more aware and vigilant about holding elected officials accountable for misconduct.

Related terms

Impeachment: The constitutional process by which a federal official is accused of unlawful activity, which may lead to their removal from office.

Senate Trial: The stage in the impeachment process where the Senate conducts a trial to determine whether the articles of impeachment warrant removal from office.

Conviction: The outcome of an impeachment trial where the Senate votes to remove an official from office due to guilty findings on the articles of impeachment.