key term - Power to Impeach

Definition

The power to impeach refers to the constitutional authority granted to Congress to formally accuse and remove federal officials, including judges, from office for misconduct or wrongdoing. This process serves as a critical check on the judicial branch, allowing Congress to hold judges accountable for their actions and ensure that they remain fit to serve in their capacities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Constitution grants the House of Representatives the exclusive power to impeach federal officials, while the Senate is responsible for conducting the trial.
2. Impeachment does not necessarily mean removal; an official can be impeached but still remain in office if the Senate does not convict.
3. Judges can be impeached for reasons such as bribery, treason, or other high crimes and misdemeanors, ensuring accountability in the judiciary.
4. The impeachment process reflects the system of checks and balances intended by the framers of the Constitution to prevent abuses of power.
5. Only three U.S. presidents have been impeached by the House: Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump, highlighting its rarity at the highest levels of government.

Review Questions

• How does the power to impeach serve as a check on the judicial branch?
  • The power to impeach allows Congress to hold federal judges accountable for their conduct while in office. By enabling the House of Representatives to initiate impeachment proceedings, it ensures that judges cannot act with impunity or engage in misconduct without facing consequences. This mechanism reinforces the principle of accountability within the judiciary, maintaining public trust in the legal system and ensuring that judges adhere to ethical standards.
• What are the steps involved in the impeachment process, and what role does each chamber of Congress play?
  • The impeachment process begins in the House of Representatives, where members can introduce articles of impeachment. If a simple majority votes in favor, the official is impeached. Following this, the Senate conducts a trial to determine whether to convict and remove the official from office. A two-thirds majority vote in the Senate is required for conviction. This division of responsibilities between both chambers exemplifies the checks and balances built into the government structure.
• Evaluate how historical cases of impeachment have shaped public perception of judicial accountability and government integrity.
  • Historical cases of impeachment, such as those involving presidents like Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, have significantly impacted public perception regarding judicial accountability and government integrity. These events often lead to intense national debate about the ethical standards expected from public officials. As a result, they highlight both the potential misuse of power within government and the essential need for oversight mechanisms like impeachment to safeguard democratic principles and maintain public trust in government institutions.

Related terms

Impeachment:

The formal process by which a federal official is accused of unlawful activity, potentially leading to removal from office.

Senate Trial: The trial conducted by the Senate following an impeachment by the House of Representatives, determining whether the official should be removed from office.

High Crimes and Misdemeanors:

The standard for impeachment set forth in the Constitution, referring to serious offenses that justify the removal of a federal official.