Article II, Section 4

Definition

Article II, Section 4 of the United States Constitution outlines the grounds for impeachment of the President, Vice President, and all civil officers of the United States. It specifies that these officials can be removed from office for 'Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors,' establishing a critical check on executive power and ensuring accountability within the federal government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Article II, Section 4 is a crucial part of the Constitution that reinforces the principle of checks and balances among the three branches of government.
2. The terms 'Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors' were intentionally left broad to allow Congress discretion in determining impeachable offenses.
3. Impeachment proceedings begin in the House of Representatives, where members vote to approve articles of impeachment before the case is sent to the Senate.
4. Historically, only three U.S. Presidents have been impeached by the House: Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump, with none being removed from office after a Senate trial.
5. The outcome of an impeachment trial requires a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate for conviction and removal from office.

Review Questions

• How does Article II, Section 4 reflect the concept of checks and balances in the U.S. government?
  • Article II, Section 4 exemplifies checks and balances by giving Congress the authority to impeach and remove officials from executive positions. This provision ensures that no single branch of government can operate without oversight or accountability. By requiring both the House and Senate to participate in the impeachment process, it prevents any potential abuse of power by the President or other civil officers.
• Discuss the implications of having vague terms like 'high Crimes and Misdemeanors' in Article II, Section 4 for the impeachment process.
  • The inclusion of vague terms like 'high Crimes and Misdemeanors' allows Congress flexibility in interpreting what constitutes impeachable behavior. This ambiguity means that different political contexts can influence decisions about impeachment. While it empowers Congress to act against misconduct that may not be strictly criminal, it can also lead to partisan divisions and varying interpretations of what actions warrant impeachment.
• Evaluate how historical instances of impeachment in U.S. history reflect societal values and political climates at their times.
  • The historical instances of impeachment, such as those involving Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump, reflect changing societal values and political tensions within their respective eras. Each case illustrates how public opinion and party alignment can shape perceptions of misconduct. For example, Johnson's impeachment was heavily influenced by post-Civil War tensions, while Trump's impeachments were tied to contemporary issues like election integrity and foreign interference. Analyzing these cases reveals how impeachment serves as both a legal remedy and a reflection of political strife.

Related terms

Impeachment: The process by which a legislative body brings charges against a government official, which can lead to removal from office if they are convicted.

High Crimes and Misdemeanors: A constitutional standard for impeachment that includes serious offenses that violate public trust but are not limited to criminal acts.

Senate Trial: The procedure that takes place in the Senate after impeachment articles are passed by the House of Representatives, determining whether the official will be removed from office.