Impeachment process

Definition

The impeachment process is a constitutional procedure used to remove a sitting president or other high-ranking officials from office for committing 'high crimes and misdemeanors.' This process is significant in maintaining checks and balances within government, ensuring that leaders can be held accountable for their actions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Impeachment starts in the House of Representatives, where a majority vote is needed to approve articles of impeachment against the official.
2. Once articles of impeachment are approved, the process moves to the Senate, where a two-thirds vote is required for conviction and removal from office.
3. The impeachment process has been initiated only a few times in U.S. history, with notable cases involving presidents Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Bill Clinton.
4. During the Senate trial, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presides over the proceedings if the president is being impeached.
5. An impeached official can be removed from office but may still face criminal charges in regular court after their term ends.

Review Questions

• How does the impeachment process reflect the principle of checks and balances in the U.S. government?
  • The impeachment process exemplifies checks and balances by allowing Congress to hold high-ranking officials accountable for misconduct. The House of Representatives initiates impeachment proceedings, representing the people's interests, while the Senate conducts a trial, ensuring due process. This division of power prevents any single branch from becoming too powerful and ensures that officials act in accordance with their duties.
• What are the roles of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the impeachment process?
  • In the impeachment process, the House of Representatives has the authority to initiate impeachment by drafting and voting on articles of impeachment, requiring a simple majority. If articles are approved, the process advances to the Senate, which holds a trial to determine whether to convict and remove the official from office. This requires a two-thirds majority vote in favor of conviction. Each chamber's distinct role underscores their collaborative function in overseeing government accountability.
• Evaluate the impact of historical impeachments on public trust in government institutions and potential reforms to the impeachment process.
  • Historical impeachments have had a mixed impact on public trust in government institutions. High-profile cases often polarize public opinion, leading to skepticism about politicians' motives and fairness in governance. This scrutiny may prompt calls for reforms to clarify standards for impeachment or improve procedural fairness. As seen with Nixon's resignation following impending impeachment, such events highlight how serious allegations can shake public confidence while also demonstrating the system's ability to address misconduct.

Related terms

Articles of Impeachment: Formal charges brought against an official, outlining the specific allegations that justify impeachment.

Senate Trial: The stage of the impeachment process where the Senate conducts a trial to determine whether to convict and remove the impeached official from office.

Due Process: A legal principle that ensures fair treatment through the normal judicial system, especially as a citizen's entitlement in an impeachment trial.