Impeachment of President
Impeachment is a formal process in which a legislative body charges a high-ranking official of government with misconduct. The United States Constitution provides for the impeachment of the President, Vice President, and all civil officers of the United States. The House of Representatives has the sole power to impeach, and the Senate has the sole power to try impeachments.
The process of impeachment begins with the House of Representatives. A majority vote of the House is required to impeach an official. Once an official has been impeached, the Senate then holds a trial to determine whether the official is guilty of the charges. A two-thirds vote of the Senate is required to convict an official. If an official is convicted, they are removed from office and may be barred from holding future office.
The impeachment process is a serious matter, and it is only used in cases of serious misconduct. The Constitution does not define what constitutes “high crimes and misdemeanors,” but the Supreme Court has ruled that impeachment is not limited to criminal offenses. Impeachment can also be used to remove officials from office for other serious misconduct, such as abuse of power or neglect of duty.
The impeachment of a President is a rare event. Only three Presidents have been impeached in the history of the United States: Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump. Johnson was impeached in 1868, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Clinton was impeached in 1998, but he was also acquitted by the Senate. Trump was impeached twice, in 2019 and 2021. He was acquitted both times by the Senate.
The impeachment of a President is a significant event that can have a major impact on the country. It is important to understand the process of impeachment and the reasons why it is used.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is impeachment?
Impeachment is a formal process in which a legislative body charges a high-ranking official of government with misconduct. The United States Constitution provides for the impeachment of the President, Vice President, and all civil officers of the United States. The House of Representatives has the sole power to impeach, and the Senate has the sole power to try impeachments.
What are the grounds for impeachment?
The Constitution does not define what constitutes “high crimes and misdemeanors,” but the Supreme Court has ruled that impeachment is not limited to criminal offenses. Impeachment can also be used to remove officials from office for other serious misconduct, such as abuse of power or neglect of duty.
What is the process of impeachment?
The process of impeachment begins with the House of Representatives. A majority vote of the House is required to impeach an official. Once an official has been impeached, the Senate then holds a trial to determine whether the official is guilty of the charges. A two-thirds vote of the Senate is required to convict an official. If an official is convicted, they are removed from office and may be barred from holding future office.
How many Presidents have been impeached?
Only three Presidents have been impeached in the history of the United States: Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump. Johnson was impeached in 1868, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Clinton was impeached in 1998, but he was also acquitted by the Senate. Trump was impeached twice, in 2019 and 2021. He was acquitted both times by the Senate.
What are the consequences of impeachment?
If an official is impeached, they are removed from office. They may also be barred from holding future office. In addition, impeachment can damage an official’s reputation and make it difficult for them to continue their career.
Multiple Choice Questions
Which of the following is not a ground for impeachment?
(A) Treason
(B) Bribery
(C) High crimes and misdemeanors
(D) MisdemeanorsHow many votes are required in the House of Representatives to impeach an official?
(A) A majority
(B) A supermajority
(C) A simple majority
(D) A two-thirds majorityHow many votes are required in the Senate to convict an official?
(A) A majority
(B) A supermajority
(C) A simple majority
(D) A two-thirds majorityWhich of the following Presidents was impeached twice?
(A) Andrew Johnson
(B) Bill Clinton
(C) Donald Trump
(D) All of the aboveWhat are the consequences of impeachment?
(A) Removal from office
(B) Bar from future office
(C) Damage to reputation
(D) All of the above